What is Cardio Tennis?

Cardio Tennis is a new, fun, group activity featuring drills to give players of all abilities an ultimate, high-energy workout. Cardio Tennis includes a warm-up, cardio workout, and cool down phases. If you want to find a healthy, new way to get in shape and to burn calories, you ought to try Cardio Tennis.

What are the major benefits of Cardio Tennis?

Participants consistently elevate their heart rates into their aerobic training zone (click here). You can burn more calories than singles or doubles tennis. You get short cycles of high intensity workout and periods of rest, almost like interval training. It is a fun, group activity where players of all abilities enjoy tennis together. While you are "playing" tennis, the primary focus is on getting a great workout.

What happens in Cardio Tennis?

Taught by a Certified Tennis Professional, a typical Cardio Tennis program includes a short dynamic warm-up, a cardio workout, and a cool down phase. The majority of the Cardio Tennis program is the "workout" phase, which should last 30-50 minutes. Most of this portion will include fast-paced drills where the professional feeds balls to players based on their ability and fitness level. Pros will find ways to keep players moving and challengedÉ all while having fun!

What types of drills are in a Cardio Tennis program?

There are 3 segments: warm up, cardio workout and the cool down segments. Each one has drills specifically designed to be fun, challenging and to get you moving. You will hit forehands, backhands, volleys, etc. But remember, Cardio Tennis is not about making you a great player. First and foremost, Cardio Tennis is a great workout. You run, you hit balls, you jump, you recover, and you have fun. Cardio Tennis is a full body workout. And, in some programs they even have music.

Why is Cardio Tennis better than other forms of exercise?

While other activities will give you a great workout, Cardio Tennis challenges you in so many ways. Running, moving sideways, stretching, etc. Your heart rate will also go through high intensity segmentsÉfollowed by a short period of recovery. This is very similar to interval training. One of the major benefits is that you will have a much more social experience. Players in Cardio Tennis socialize Éand have fun! You are not drearily confined to a boring machine like you are in many other fitness activities.

Will Cardio Tennis be any national promotion?

Yes. We will have a national PR campaign with newspapers and magazines during the 2nd half of 2005. Much of our publicity will be around the 2005 US Open. We will also do some TV advertising in late 2005 as well. Tennis facilities around America will also be promoting Cardio Tennis.

Why do you think this is going to be successful?

First, it is what America is looking for. We just surveyed almost 1000 Americans and asked them the question, "If there was a new tennis program called Cardio Tennis that gives you a great workout, would you be interested in trying it?" 55% of Non players were very interested 67% of Non playing women said they were interested And, only 28% of these players were interested in trying traditional tennis. The time is right for Cardio Tennis. And, with national promotion and support, this program will be a winner. Plus, the use of heart rate monitors and music give tennis and Cardio Tennis a great new feeling. Cardio Tennis can be to tennis what spinning is to riding a bike It is a great "follow up" for beginners who "try" tennis at a Tennis Welcome Center.

Where did this Cardio Tennis idea come from?

Leaders in our industry looked at consumer research which revealed trends for Americans gravitating to high energy, fitness activities. They realized our sport had some existing programs that already offered a great cardio workout but have never been packaged professionally. We studied these programs, improved upon them, and now are rolling out a suggested approach nationally so all Americans can benefit from the great workout you get from Cardio Tennis.

Does this mean traditional tennis is not a good workout?

Not at all. In fact, traditional doubles is good workout, and singles is typically a great workout. However, people who don't play tennis do not think of tennis in these terms. Therefore, we developed this "new form" of tennis that tells the consumer exactly what they will get.

Does Cardio Tennis replace singles or doubles?

No. Cardio Tennis is the 3rd way to play tennis. This "new form" of tennis just stresses a great workout vs. great forehands and backhands. We expect many existing players who play singles and doubles today to continue with those activities, which is fine. Enrolling in a Cardio Tennis program will become a viable alternative to visiting a fitness center for the cardiovascular workout.

How does a person know they are getting a good workout?

In our programs, participants in Cardio Tennis burn more calories during a Cardio Tennis session than by playing Singles or Doubles. They also spend more time in the aerobic zone. Players can check their heart rates either with "self checks" or by wearing a heart rate monitor. Cardio Tennis gets a person's heart rate upÉand it stays there for virtually the entire time.

How long is a Cardio Tennis program?

Cardio Tennis programs run from as short as a 45 minute session to much longer. We recommend a 60 minute program, as Americans are time crunched and want to get a great workout in an hour or less. Check with your local facility for the actual program length.

What times of days do Cardio Tennis programs run?

Check with your local tennis facility. We see programs that start early in the morning, during the lunch time, and after work hours. By June of 2005, our CardioTennis.com website will be active. You will be able to find all the Cardio Tennis sites in your area then.

Is this program nationwide? How many sites will you have?

Not yet, but by mid summer, 2005, we hope to have 1000 Cardio Tennis facilities throughout America.

Will Cardio Tennis be available at public courts?

YES. Cardio Tennis will be available at all types of facilities. If the facility is listed on CardioTennis.com, it is open to the pubic.

Is Cardio Tennis available and good for beginners?

Yes. But this type of program may not be available in all parts of America yet. True beginners can learn tennis with players of similar ability in Cardio Tennis with special ballsÉoften called "transition" balls. Check with your local certified tennis professional to see if beginner programs are available in your area now.

Does Cardio Tennis have to be played on a tennis court?

YesÉfor now. We are initially accepting applications from facilities and clubs with certified tennis professionals. But, in time, you will be able to run Cardio Tennis programs in gyms, schools, etc.

Will Cardio Tennis be available for kids?

Yes, but not today. We are developing a separate curriculum for kids now. It will probably be available in 2006.

How do you know if Cardio Tennis is safe?

Our goal is to keep all players working out below their maximum heart rate and in their aerobic training zone.

How do you determine someone's maximum heart rate?

The American College of Sports Medicine1 has published the following recommended formula for estimating maximum heart rate: 220 minus a person's age. At all Cardio Tennis facilities is a heart rate zone map (click here) which will give all ages of players their maximum heart rate and their recommended training zone in Cardio Tennis.

What is their aerobic training zone and how do you determine this range?

Generally speaking, a person's aerobic training zone is 65-85% of their maximum heart rate. This is good safe, efficient workout zone for most people.

Should people who are not in shape or recovering from a major surgery exercise at a different level?

Yes, we recommend that this person consult with their doctor before participating. Generally, this person's zone is 10 pts. lower than normal or 55-75% of the maximum heart rate.

How often should a person exercise in Cardio Tennis?

The recommended frequency for a Cardio Tennis type workout by the American College of Sports Medicine2 is 3-5 times per week.

Does every site use or loan heart rate monitors?

80% of all players in our test programs liked using heart rate monitors. While we recommend the use of heart rate monitors, this decision is up to the local facility.

Does every site use music?

Music is recommended in Cardio Tennis because it offers a fun, energizing atmosphere (74% of all participants in our test want music in their Cardio Tennis program). However, some facilities will not allow music on court. This decision is up to the local facility.

What form of music is best?

In our tests, music with beats of a minimum of 128 beats to around 145-155 beats per minute are the most stimulating.

When does the consumer hear about Cardio Tennis?

Consumer promotion and PR will begin during mid summer 2005 or earlierÉ when we have secured 1000 quality Cardio Tennis sites.

Hasn't tennis participation been sliding? And is this a way to turn the sport around?

No. Actually, tennis participation has been fairly flat for the past 3 years. And in 2004, play by frequent players was up. Cardio Tennis is based on consumer research and testing and was developed to meet the needs of America, especially as people look for new ways to get in shape. We think Cardio Tennis will attract a whole new type of player to our great game as well as keep existing players playing more frequently.

What is the time commitment?

Most programs have a weekly commitment. However, there are some programs where you can just "drop in". Check with you local Cardio Tennis program for details.

How does this relate to real tennis?

This is 3rd way to play tennis. You hit balls like in singles or doubles but the focus is on a great workout, not on winning a match. Cardio Tennis drills replicates singles/doubles movement patterns & situations. Up, Back, Sideways, etcÉ Repetition of all strokes used in single/doubles. No pressure tennis, fun!

Do I need different equipment?

No. Maybe an extra shirt because we know you will get a good workout. Many players at the test sites choose to bring their own heart rate monitor to check their heart rates occasionally throughout the session.

I get a good enough workout now in my singles or double matches, why do I need this?

You probably don't. But, if you go to the gym or fitness center for some extra fitness training, then try Cardio Tennis instead. It's more fun! And more social!

What is the cost?

This varies at each location.

How can I find a Cardio Tennis site in my area or more information on Cardio Tennis?

Go to CardioTennis.com (starting July 2005) and enter your zip code and find a site near you. There is much more information on Cardio Tennis on this website. Contact the TIA at 843 686 3036.