Kitchener - Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort is expanding its recreational offerings again. Doreen Tschanz, Head Tennis Pro at Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort has jus t completed certification for the renowned Cardio Tennis program. Cardio Tennis is a new, fun group tennis activity that combines tennis with a high-energy cardio-vascular workout.

Cardio Tennis was developed by TIA president Jim Baugh in conjunction with the USTA. Cardio Tennis features a program that includes warm-up, cardio workout and cool down phases and is designed for anybody regardless of tennis skill level.

“Tennis has always been considered a great activity that is fun if you know how to play. Now, Cardio Tennis is a new way for anyone to enjoy tennis and get an ultimate full body workout.” says Doreen. “Canadians are constantly looking for new ways to lose weight and Cardio Tennis is a great way to get in shape, and have fun while doing it.”

Benefits of Cardio Tennis?

Canadians spend millions of dollars a year searching for the ultimate workout that will help them shed those unwanted pounds, though the majority of programs available today lack Cardio Tennis’ ability to get participants to consistently elevate their heart rates into their aerobic training zone while having fun. Cardio Tennis’ curriculum allows the participant to burn more calories within short cycles of high intensity workout and periods of rest, similar to interval training.

How it works?

The Cardio Tennis Program includes a short dynamic warm-up, a cardio workout phase and a cool-down phase. Each phase has drills specifically designed to be fun, challenging and to get you moving and your heart rate pumping. The goal is to get a person’s heart rate in their aerobic training zone (65-85% of their maximum recommended heart rate) for the entire session and keep it there. And while Cardio Tennis is not designed to make you a great player, you do improve because you hit so many forehands, backhands, and volleys while getting a fun, healthy workout. All Cardio Tennis workouts are more of a social experience than other fitness activities where you are confined to a boring machine.

Why Cardio Tennis?

Canadians have been gravitating to fitness activities. With the dangers of obesity part of the national debate, Canadians should take action sooner rather than later. In order to boost the popularity of tennis as a great fitness activity, the TIA and USTA decided to ride the fitness wave and create Cardio Tennis.

“We know Cardio Tennis is a better workout and, more importantly, is more fun than some of those fitness programs you find in gyms,” said TIA president Jim Baugh. “In our pilot programs, 63% thought Cardio Tennis was a better workout than their normal fitness routine and 79% said Cardio Tennis was more fun!”

One of the top fitness gurus in the world, Denise Austin, is now a believer in Cardio Tennis. “I was in a Cardio Tennis class with my husband and 6 other players. It was fun, I was energized and I got a great workout. I’m not a great tennis player but I didn’t have to be. I hit a lot of balls, was constantly moving and got my heart rate pumping!”