Tennis is a high-intensity, cardio-based sport that perfectly blends strength and endurance training. Although it varies from person to person, the average athlete will burn around 105 calories for every ten minutes they play tennis. Of course, this depends on the intensity of the game and individual metabolism.
Competitive athletes can burn as many as 600-800 calories per hour of tennis gameplay. Casual players can burn from 400-500 calories an hour. Tennis is a high-intensity sport perfect for anyone trying to shed unwanted weight. However, the length of time and the intensity of your gameplay will affect how many calories you burn.
This guide will help you calculate how many calories you can burn during a tennis match. If you’re trying to lose weight, remember that weight loss also relies on a healthy diet so try to avoid sugary or fatty foods.
Calories burned Playing Tennis Calculator
How Many Calories Can You Burn Playing Tennis?
Tennis is an excellent way to burn calories while also enjoying yourself. It’s competitive, fast-paced, and heart-pounding, helping you break a sweat while also having fun with friends and family. This makes it a more attractive form of exercise than other activities like jogging or cycling, which can become repetitive and boring.
On average, beginner tennis players burn fewer calories as they learn how to play. They lack the stamina and power to play a full match but, as they become more masterful and can play competitively, they burn more calories. The average athlete will burn around 105 calories for every 10 minutes of competitive gameplay.
For every 3,500 calories you burn, you’ll lose around 1.1 lbs so, within one week of daily gameplay, you could lose as much as 2 lbs. This, of course, requires that you stick to a healthy diet that’s low in fat and sugar. Consuming fatty or sugary foods and beverages will undo your hard work and put you back where you started. Â
How Many Calories Are Burned Playing Tennis for 30 Minutes?
Considering that the average player burns around 105 calories for every 10 minutes of tennis gameplay, an athlete playing for 30 minutes would burn from 300-350 calories. This, of course, is affected by your metabolism and the intensity of your gameplay. The harder you play, the more calories you’ll burn.
Typically, players start with a lot of intensity, hitting the ball harder than in the later game. As they begin to tire out, they lose momentum and slow down. This means you’re more likely to burn calories at the beginning of a match. A 30-minute game of tennis is ideal for losing weight since you’ll have enough energy to power through the match without tiring yourself completely.
How Many Calories Are Burned Playing Tennis for 2 Hours?
Considering that the average player burns around 105 calories for every 10 minutes of tennis gameplay, an athlete playing for 2 hours would theoretically burn from 1,200-1,350 calories. However, keep in mind that after two consecutive hours of tennis, you might not put the same amount of strength and speed into your gameplay, slowing the rate at which you burn calories.
Most amateur tennis players cannot play 2-hour long matches. Average Wimbledon matches finish around the 1.5 – 2.0-hour mark so, if you’re able to play this long, you likely stand a chance ranking in the professional arena. Nonetheless, if you’re able to play for that length of time, you’ll burn a massive number of calories. Be sure to hydrate and recover after to avoid injury.
Which Burns More Calories, Playing Tennis or Running?
If you compare the two directly, tennis and running burn around the same number of calories. 1 hour of medium-to-intense singles tennis burns around 650 calories. An hour of running at a moderate 6-mph rate burns around the same. However, running can burn more calories if you sprint faster. Tennis, on the other hand, is limited to short bursts of sprinting and hitting a ball.
What makes tennis a better form of exercise, though, is that it’s far more enjoyable. Tennis is a sport whereas running is an exercise. The competitiveness and variety of experience make tennis more engaging, easier to enjoy, and easier to continue in the long run. You can play with friends and make it a social situation.
Can I Lose Weight by Playing Tennis Every Day?
Yes! Playing 30 minutes to 1 hour of tennis every day is an excellent way to stay fit and lose weight. Even a moderate-intensity tennis watch will burn around 500 calories, helping you reach caloric deficit and burn unwanted body fat. However, also remember to eat a healthy diet.
Eating calorie-dense foods rich in sugar and fat will offset your exercise so, instead, stick to:
- Lean meats such as chicken or fish
- Leafy-green vegetables
- Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice or quinoa.
Within just a few weeks of playing tennis every day, you’ll quickly start to see your body change.
Conclusion
Playing tennis burns around 105 calories for every 10 minutes of gameplay. This is affected by how intensely you play and your body’s natural metabolism. However, playing 30 minutes to 1 hour of tennis every day is an excellent way to lose weight while having fun.
