Scott Barron, retired tennis professional and director of the Famous Memorabilia store in Dublin, tells Patricia Weston that sport is a great way for him to unwind
Do you take much exercise nowadays?
Yes, I do, but compared to what I used to do when I played tennis it feels like I should be answering no to that question. I still play tennis and I enjoy football and golf at least once a week.
Are you still very fit?
Compared with everybody else, yes, but compared to when I played tennis I feel so unfit.
What injuries have you suffered from?
I have had ankle problems and shoulder problems.
Do you eat healthily?
I try to but it doesn't always work out. I normally skip breakfast, which I know is something you shouldn't do. I eat a good lunch at about 12 and then my wife Harriet cooks something in the evening, which is normally a pasta or rice dish.
What stresses you?
I am married with two children and I work in the rag trade, which is very hands on. What stresses me is not having any time to myself.
When I played tennis I travelled for about seven months of the year, so I used to have a lot of time to myself to unwind from the pressures of professional tennis.
Does exercise play a big part in your life?
I wouldn't have time now for exercise in a gym but I love playing sport for exercise. Playing golf, tennis or football in the fresh air with friends is a great way to unwind and keep fit.
I find that when I play a sport the blinkers come on and all I think about is what I am doing, so sport is a great way for me to unwind.
Patricia Weston's exercise prescription:
You don't have to be super-fit to stay healthy. Just 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling or a team sport like football or tennis at least three times a week is enough to keep your heart healthy and make you feel good and stress free.
Tennis has many benefits for fitness. Here are just some of the main reasons for taking up a racket and ball:
Not only is it an aerobic activity, which works the heart and lungs, but tennis also improves anaerobic fitness. This is because the short, intense bursts of activity followed by rest helps your muscles use oxygen more efficiently.
Tennis improves brain function because it requires anticipation and quick reactions.
It's an all-over body workout, keeping the legs strong and the upper body toned, particularly the shoulders and arms. The side-to-side movements tone the torso and the side abdominal muscles.
You need to change direction frequently when playing tennis, which improves agility.
Tennis is also great for improving flexibility because you are constantly required to stretch out for the ball and return it to your opponent.
An average person can burn up to 560 calories per hour playing tennis, making it a great fat-burning activity.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
pweston@eircom.net
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.