Olympic swimmers Sophie Edington and Matt Targett dived into Cardio Tennis this week at the Australian Open 2012.

This was their first taste of the new tennis-fitness program that is currently rolling out across Australia.

“Cardio Tennis was really fun,” Edington expressed. “Exercising to music was great, and the [45 to 60 minute] timing makes it easy to fit it into your schedule.”

Targett echoed Edington’s sentiments.

“I like that Cardio Tennis has a set period of time,” the talented 26-year-old said.  “I watched Bernard Tomic play the other day and his match went forever … with Cardio Tennis the workout can be done in 45 minutes to an hour.”

The social element of Cardio Tennis is what the aquatic champions really enjoyed, especially since their sport is predominately individual.

“The guys we met out there today were really good fun,” Edington said. “I think I will take up Cardio Tennis on a more permanent basis because it’s great way to meet people and it’s really social.”

Targett, who has many accolades to his name including two Olympic medals from the Beijing 2008 (silver for the 4×100m medley and bronze for the 4×100m freestyle relay), was impressed by the calories he burnt in the 20 minute Cardio Tennis showcase.

“I really, really enjoyed my Cardio Tennis workout. I burnt 240 calories which is equivalent to 960 calories for a 60 minute workout,” Target said. “I also got my heart racing; my average heart rate was 131beats per minute.”

Edington also enjoyed the benefits of the workout, burning 192 calories in 20mins … which is around 768 calories for a 60 min workout.

The fish out of water said Cardio Tennis was quick to learn and people of all tennis abilities can have fun participating.

“I obviously had no idea what I was doing to start with … I haven’t picked up a tennis racquet in years. Our coach Belinda was really enthusiastic and helpful so Cardio Tennis was very quick and easy to pick up,” added Edington, who in 2008 claimed a World Record for 50 metres backstroke.