Community News

The World's Healthiest Sport is the Perfect New Year Hobby

 

by: Gabrielle Beamon
Published: January 19, 2026

 

ORANGE COUNTY...As we’re in the season of “New year, new me,” millions of Americans are searching for a new hobby to fulfill their New Year’s resolution - the world’s healthiest sport - as a new hobby in 2026! 

American athletes are continuing to prove that tennis is the sport for a lifetime. Many people play tennis because it offers a full workout and has numerous health benefits. For instance: 

• Tennis players on average lived an additional 9.7 years than sedentary individuals and more than 5 years longer than other sports.
  
  
• The 9.7 additional years for tennis players ranked highest among all sports included within the study, beating out soccer by 5 years (4.7), cycling by 6 years (3.7), swimming by 6.3 years (3.4) and jogging by 6.5 years (3.2).
  
  
• Participation in racquet sports, including tennis, reduces risk of all-cause mortality by 47 percent and cardiovascular-related death by 56 percent.

Besides the health benefits, tennis can be adapted so anyone can enjoy playing, no matter their ability level, age or environment. There’s tennis for players who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, in wheelchairs, live with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and Autism, seniors, and more. For beginner players, there’s even red ball tennis as a fun way to get started.