04.12.08 : CARDIO TENNIS - A HEART HEALTHY EXCERSIZE

WINSTON-SALEM — Cardio tennis is the workout of the stars. Ever wonder why the world’s best tennis players like Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and even the Williams sisters are in such good shape? Tennis is great exercise and works out a lot of different muscle groups.

Cardio tennis is quickly becoming the exercise of choice for people of all ages who are looking to burn a little fat and calories. People took a swing at it on Friday at the Lawrence Joel Coliseum to kick this weekend’s Davis Cup tournament.

It’s not just a way to lose weight though, as heart attack survivor Bob Hartness knows full well.

“I went in for a routine check and they said you had more than the flu,” Hartness said. In fact, six years ago he suffered a mild heart attack. After surgery and weeks of physical therapy, the doctor advised the 68-year-old to exercise.

“Cardio tennis is a great form of exercise,” explained cardiologist Dr. John Powers. “Exercise is good for all adults whether you have heart disease or not.”

Tennis works all the key muscle groups: arms, legs and the most important muscle of all, the heart.

“If you don’t have heart disease, it helps keep you from developing heart disease,” Dr. Powers said. “And if you already have heart disease, there’s good evidence that it helps you not have more problems.”

“Both of my parents died with heart problems and I think I just kind of got some bad genes passed down. But you can fight those bad genes by keeping in shape and eating correctly. Those Big Macs will get you in the long run,” Hartness said.

As always though, you still should check with your doctor first before starting any kind of workout routine.

The signs of heart attack include back and or neck pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and pain down your left arm.

You can find more information about cardio tennis and locations at cardiotennis.com.

By: Adrianne Flores