Make a RACKET

Channel your inner Serena Williams with this calorie-burning, strength-building workout

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With Pimm's in one hand and strawberries and cream in the other, watching Wimbledon from home - or on Centre Court, if you're lucky enough to get tickets - is a highlight of the Great British summer. But why not join the fun and burn some of those delicious calories while you're at it?

Tennis is ideal for beginners, says Federico Fraguela, marketing manager at Decathlon UK. ‘When starting out, the key is to choose a pace of play that suits you.’ And why not get the family involved, too? Exercising together means there’s no excuse not to fit it in, plus it can help strengthen family bonds, encourage the development of healthy habits, promote a sense of community and reduce stress for both parents and children.

So grab your racquet and get ready to lose up to 1st in just eight weeks...

BONUS POINTS

The health benefits of tennis often outweigh those of a more straightforward aerobic workout, such as walking or running

* Better balance

'Practising hand-eye and foot-eye coordination develops our proprioceptive capacity (the awareness of our movements, actions and location), making us more balanced and less likely to injure ourselves through trips and falls,' says sports physician Dr Ajai Seth.

* Bolster your brain

Keeping your mind sharp and your reactions sharper, tennis builds your planning and decision-making skills, as you must constantly monitor your opponent's movements and anticipate how best to position yourself for the next shot.

* Boost bones