Does singles burn more calories than doubles?

Yes. In singles you cover the whole court yourself, so you move more and burn noticeably more per hour than in doubles.

Is tennis good for losing weight?

It can be. Regular play burns a lot of energy and is fun enough to keep doing, but diet still matters most for weight loss.

Is tennis good cardio?

Yes. Points work like intervals, so it trains both your heart and your ability to recover between bursts.

How Many Calories Does Tennis Burn?

4 video lessons

Roughly 400 to 600 calories an hour, depending on how you play.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Tennis is a solid workout. A typical adult burns roughly 400 to 600 calories per hour, with singles at the higher end and doubles lower because there is less running per player. Heavier players, longer rallies and drilling with little rest all push the number up.

Because it mixes short sprints, changes of direction and constant movement, tennis works like interval training and also builds leg strength, agility and heart health. Playing a few times a week, plus a sensible diet, can help with weight loss, and many players find it easier to stick with than the gym.

Key tips

Play singles or live-ball drills to burn more.
Cut long breaks between points in practice.
Use footwork and agility drills on non-match days.
Warm up first and build volume gradually.

FAQ

Does singles burn more calories than doubles?: Yes. In singles you cover the whole court yourself, so you move more and burn noticeably more per hour than in doubles.
Is tennis good for losing weight?: It can be. Regular play burns a lot of energy and is fun enough to keep doing, but diet still matters most for weight loss.
Is tennis good cardio?: Yes. Points work like intervals, so it trains both your heart and your ability to recover between bursts.