Despite the amount of coverage they get, the pressurized professional tennis stars are very much in the minority. Around three million of us play tennis for the sheer fun of it - and for the enormous boost it gives to our fitness levels. Just getting around the court involves a huge amount of running, making for a good cardiovascular workout. It also sharpens hand-to-eye co-ordination and increases strength - how else are you going to tackle those powerful returns? Combine this with the inevitable improvements in posture and flexibility and the health benefits of learning and playing tennis become obvious.

Top to bottom toning
A good game of tennis provides a full body workout, which involves an impressive number of muscle groups. The power for a shot is initiated from ground level - the strength for a great serve is provided by the push off from the largest and most powerful muscles in your body - the quadriceps in your thighs. This movement is similar to squats, one of the best exercises for toning your behind, the difference is that if you are enjoying the game, it wont feel like such hard work. Once you've become confident and skilful at tennis you'll be toning your thighs and bottom every time you play.

The sharp turns and twists a good tennis player needs to pull off, puts the abdominals and upper body through a vigorous workout. Obviously holding the racket and hitting the ball exercises your arms and shoulders. Your forearms absorb the impact from the ball contact and your shoulders and upper arms are strengthened all over as they respond with various stokes from overhead to ground level.

A day on the court is not only the quintessential way to wile away an English summer's day, it is also an excellent workout that challenges your whole body.

Getting started
If you're thinking about taking up tennis there's never been a better time to start. The Lawn Tennis Association has over 2,400 affiliated clubs across the country, and many local authorities, schools and colleges also provide facilities. If you're a complete beginner it's a good idea to arrange some tennis lessons to build your confidence and improve the overall quality of your game. Normally, a tennis club or local education course can help you with this, but if you're really quick you can take advantage of the Lawn Tennis Association's Play Tennis scheme. Over a thousand of its clubs across the UK are offering open days where you can turn up and play tennis free of charge. The scheme will run until July 13, 2002.

For further details call 020 7381 7038 or check out: www.lta.org.uk/playtennis/pt2002_map.htm#.

To find a tennis court near take a trip to:www.totaltennis.net/directory/directory.asp.www.lta.org.uk/clubs/clubsearch/clubsearch.asp