Growing up in a tennis family, I had no idea I was learning what is called a lifetime sport. I had no idea that even after my days of after-school tennis lessons and summer camps, I would continue to play the sport on and off for many decades with no end in sight. This is something I will always have in common with my sister and my parents. It is something that as kids and now all adults, we can play together.
I was delighted to speak with professionals at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and get their take on lifetime sports and why they are so important. Each professional was asked the same questions and all gave answers from their own perspectives. Read below and see what inspires you!
The interviewees are:
Matt Denzer, Director of Instruction, Leadbetter Golf Academy
I was delighted to speak with professionals at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and get their take on lifetime sports and why they are so important. Each professional was asked the same questions and all gave answers from their own perspectives. Read below and see what inspires you!
The interviewees are:
Matt Denzer, Director of Instruction, Leadbetter Golf Academy
Jason Henderson, Director of Sport and Racquet Operations
Jonah Kriek, Former #7 in the world of tennis who played 16 years on the ATP Tour and nine years on the senior tour. He is an Australian Open champion twice-over, and has reached the quarterfinals or better in each of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments. He has won 14 singles and eight doubles titles around the world and won the Senior Wimbledon doubles title four years in succession. He currently runs a tennis academy at the PGA National Resort and Spa.
Jonah Kriek, Former #7 in the world of tennis who played 16 years on the ATP Tour and nine years on the senior tour. He is an Australian Open champion twice-over, and has reached the quarterfinals or better in each of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments. He has won 14 singles and eight doubles titles around the world and won the Senior Wimbledon doubles title four years in succession. He currently runs a tennis academy at the PGA National Resort and Spa.
1. What are examples of lifetime sports?
Matt Denzer: I think there are lots of sports that you can play for a lifetime. Golf instantly jumps to mind for me.
Jason Henderson: Lifetime Sports can be categorized as physical activities that can be performed throughout one’s life and at any age. Examples can include, but are not limited to, fishing, tennis, golf, bowling, swimming, and many more.
Johan Kriek: Tennis and golf are two fantastic lifetime sports. There are others, but very few can rival tennis as a lifetime sport.
2. What are the benefits of lifetime sports?
Matt Denzer: With golf specifically, there are so many benefits from the health perspective to the social aspects. Here at PGA National, we see three and even four generations of a family on the course spending time together.
Jason Henderson: Lifetime sports are low-impact and low-risk activities that do not involve physical contact with other players. Another aspect of lifetime sports is that you can continue the mastery of the skill as you age. The experience and wisdom can make up for lack of reflexes and physical capabilities. Jen Orsi, Director of Fitness adds, "Some of the benefits of lifetime sports is staying active keeps your muscles strong and the social aspect keeps your mind strong."
Johan Kriek: The benefits of a lifetime sport is that we can play it from a very young age until a very advanced age. There are many national and international competitions in tennis for people over 80!
3. Is it ever too late (or too early) to get started?
Matt Denzer: I would never say it’s too early or too late to get started. We have junior lessons that start with 3-year-olds and we see lots of new retirees as well. Anyone who wants to pick up this great game could start right away!
Jason Henderson: It is never too late or early to get started. It takes years to become a professional and lifetime sports allows you to continue to grow and progress at the rate that is comfortable to you.
Johan Kriek: It is never too late to start a lifetime sport. The idea is to get exercise and one will gain great physical and mental benefits from playing a lifetime sport.
Jason Henderson: It is never too late or early to get started. It takes years to become a professional and lifetime sports allows you to continue to grow and progress at the rate that is comfortable to you.
Johan Kriek: It is never too late to start a lifetime sport. The idea is to get exercise and one will gain great physical and mental benefits from playing a lifetime sport.
4. Are there sports that families can learn together?
Matt Denzer: I think golf is a sport that everyone can play and learn together. We have tons of families that play and learn together.
Jason Henderson: Pickleball, pop tennis, badminton, shuffleboard, croquet, swimming, bocce ball and fishing are all lifetime activities that can be performed with the accompaniment of family members.
Johan Kriek: Tennis is a great family sport that can be learned by mom, dad and the kids! There are other racket sports that make great lifetimes sports, especially pickleball which mimics tennis with a smaller racket, etc. that has gained popularity as it has a quicker learning curve.
Jason Henderson: Pickleball, pop tennis, badminton, shuffleboard, croquet, swimming, bocce ball and fishing are all lifetime activities that can be performed with the accompaniment of family members.
Johan Kriek: Tennis is a great family sport that can be learned by mom, dad and the kids! There are other racket sports that make great lifetimes sports, especially pickleball which mimics tennis with a smaller racket, etc. that has gained popularity as it has a quicker learning curve.
5. What are the resources parents can use to find out about these lifetime sports in their area?
Matt Denzer: Every area is different, but check out websites for local clubs and see if they offer junior programs. Also, locally, our South Florida PGA section has lots of information on junior lessons, camps, and tournaments.
Jason Henderson: Local fitness centers, community centers and online resources are all available to provide information regarding activities in your area.
Johan Kriek: There are numerous resources available for parents to find out about a lifetime sport like tennis. First, there are public tennis courts in most cities and towns in America. There they can find out about tennis lessons. Likewise, if a family belongs to a country club there most likely will be amenities that include tennis courts with various programs for adults and kids of all ages to begin tennis and or other racket sports. The Internet is another resource for finding out information on tennis in your area. Google the word tennis in your town and lots of information will pop up. I highly recommend researching tennis in general and tennis programs in your town.
Jason Henderson: Local fitness centers, community centers and online resources are all available to provide information regarding activities in your area.
Johan Kriek: There are numerous resources available for parents to find out about a lifetime sport like tennis. First, there are public tennis courts in most cities and towns in America. There they can find out about tennis lessons. Likewise, if a family belongs to a country club there most likely will be amenities that include tennis courts with various programs for adults and kids of all ages to begin tennis and or other racket sports. The Internet is another resource for finding out information on tennis in your area. Google the word tennis in your town and lots of information will pop up. I highly recommend researching tennis in general and tennis programs in your town.
6. Do you have any other advice or anything you would like to add?
Matt Denzer: To anyone who wants to learn the game of golf, I would just recommend to just go out and have fun. Don’t get too worried about the rules or scoring, just get out there. Over time you can learn these details.
Jason Henderson: Lifetime sports are a great way to get involved with communities and social gatherings. You do not have to be the best, but the key to living a long healthy life is staying active.
Johan Kriek: It is important to have the proper racket and tennis shoes. The most important information for beginner tennis players is to find a very reputable tennis shop. There are rackets of different lengths for kids aged 4-12 as well as the proper strings and tension. The proper grip is also very important factors when purchasing equipment.
Johan Kriek: It is important to have the proper racket and tennis shoes. The most important information for beginner tennis players is to find a very reputable tennis shop. There are rackets of different lengths for kids aged 4-12 as well as the proper strings and tension. The proper grip is also very important factors when purchasing equipment.
