Tracy Townsend explains how playing tennis in Seaside, Florida leads to a long and healthy life
Tennis has long been regarded as a sport that increases your longevity. I’ve seen many articles that praise the health benefits of playing tennis. It’s considered a “lifetime sport” and is associated with better aerobic fitness and body composition while providing the psychological benefits of stress reduction and social connectedness. Even during COVID, tennis was said to be the safest sport you could do.
I took up tennis at age 10. When I tell people I’ve been playing for 53 years, they seem astounded. I hope that means they think I look younger than I actually am. I have led a very healthy life. And despite a few bad habits, I give tennis credit for keeping me healthy.
Two of our Seaside Swim and Tennis Club members have inspired me for the last 24 years. Bill Wade and Jan Rieveschl have been playing tennis with us here since I first started. Jan, a young almost 77, is a frequent sight at the tennis courts. He picks on me or one of my pros once a week, hits with his wife, April, once a week, and hits with Bill once a week. Scattered other matches have also popped up throughout his tennis career.
Bill, who just turned 82, also hits with one of the pros once a week. And his weekly hit with Jan has been going on now for years since I first introduced them. Both are extremely good players and are healthy late into their lives. I must say that Jan claims to be 34 and Bill, 28, though.
Here in Seaside, where walking is encouraged, I want to say that tennis has also been a vital part of many people’s lives. The social aspects, alongside the physical benefits of tennis, are hard to beat. And the addition of the pickleball courts presents yet another way for our members and guests to stay active and socialize.
Many of my clients met on our courts and now plan their vacations together so they can meet up here again. Jeff and Heather met Paul and Anne on the Seaside courts years ago. Now, year after year, they are here the same week enjoying morning tennis clinics and round robins together. I’m so proud of the community we have created here at Seaside Tennis.
Tennis IS a lifelong sport. Bill and Jan are just two shining examples of how the sport can positively impact your life. I hope to see you on the courts soon. I’ve taught people from ages 3 to 83, so you are never too young or old to get started!
Seaside Tennis Schedule:
Tennis Eye Opener Clinics: Mon-Sun. 8 – 9 a.m., Mon.-Thurs. 9 – 10 a.m., and Mon-Thurs. 10 – 11 a.m.
Tennis Round Robins: Fri.-Sun. 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Beginner Pickleball: Mon. 10 – 11 a.m., Intermediate Pickleball: Thurs. 10 – 11 a.m.
Courts are open for play daily 8 a.m. to dusk. Please call (850) 231-2214 to reserve courts, book lessons or sign-up for clinics and round robins. Find 30A TENNIS and SEASIDE TENNIS on Facebook for weather updates, news and events.
By Tracy Townsend
Seaside Director of Racquet Sports
Owner, 30A Tennis
