17 February 2016 | Tennis Victoria

Tennis Victoria in partnership with Tennis Australia and VicHealth are excited to announce that the Get Into Cardio Tennis program has launched at locations across Melbourne and Geelong.

Part of VicHealth’s Changing the Game Campaign, Get Into Cardio Tennis aims to encourage more women to participate in physical activity across Victoria in a fun and social environment through low-impact tennis-based sessions.

Following a successful pilot period at the end of last year which saw 7 Local Government Areas (LGA) across Melbourne and Geelong offer the program, 6 additional LGAs are now embracing the activity, including Casey, Moonee Valley and Melton.

“The great thing about this program is that it’s done in local parks, so you can get your physical activity near home and with friends who live locally,” said Tennis Victoria Special Projects Leader Tam Harding.

“It is particularly suited to people who might not have done a lot of physical activity in the past, or are returning to exercise after some time out,” said Harding.

The program is designed at an introductory level so that no existing tennis skills or fitness levels are needed to enjoy a session. While the program is particularly suited to women, men are of course more than welcome to join as well.

Sunshine’s Rhonda Peterson has been enjoying the program in her local park.

“I love the fact that Get Into Cardio Tennis is social, it’s interactive, it builds up your heart rate – you’re doing exercise without even knowing you’re doing it – it’s just great fun,’ she said.

Former Australian professional tennis player Alicia Molik trialled the program during the Australian Open.

“The thing I love about Get Into Cardio Tennis is that you may never have played the sport of tennis before, but it’s a way of getting involved and learning some of the skills. It’s especially great because it is done in your local park, close to home.” See Alicia in action here.

A 45-minute class costs $10. You can register at www.getintocardiotennis.com.au. Choose the ‘free introductory class’ option in ticket type when you sign up to get your first session free. Take a look at this short film to see the program in action.