When you think of effective cardio exercise, the activities most likely to come to mind are aerobics classes, running, swimming and cycling. But racquet sports like tennis may hold even greater benefits, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

And, as a bonus, they could also be more fun, making it easier to meet your fitness goals.

Playing singles tennis is a great way to have fun and exercise, and if you have access to an indoor court, it can be a year-round workout option that builds camaraderie along with muscle tone.

But before you hit the court, it's important to get your game on safely. By practicing a pregame plan for these strenuous workouts, you'll be less likely to experience injuries that could leave...