Worried that getting older means you can’t learn new skills or hobbies? Think again. There are lots of great options you can pick up as you age, and tennis is one of them. In fact, tennis is the perfect way to get the exercise your body needs and fill your time with a rewarding hobby all in one. If you’re interested in learning tennis but you’re a bit older than the average first time player, there are a few things you should expect.

• Talk to your Doctor: Before you get started, have a chat with your physician. Any change in exercise routine should be a discussion with your doctor, and he or she can recommend how often you should play and how vigorously you should work while you’re on the court. 
• Get the Right Equipment: Tennis, unlike many other sports, doesn’t require a lot of equipment, but there are a few things you may want to invest in before you get started. You’ll want a solid racquet, some comfortable tennis clothes, and the right shoes. Tennis means lots of footwork, so you want something that is comfortable and stable as you move around the court. Your old running shoes just won’t do here. Instead, invest in a pair of shoes that will offer you exactly what you need when you step on the court. 
• Enlist Great Help: Good tennis instruction is a perfect way to help you develop the on-court habits you’ll need as you play match after match. Pick up bad habits as you get started, and you’ll likely limit the power of your game well into the future. The last thing you want to do is backtrack out of those bad habits. Consider some one-on-one help in the form of private tennis lessons from the beginning, and it will really pay off. 

You’re never too old to learn a powerful sport like tennis. Get started today.