For some kids in Queens, staying in shape means being an ace on the tennis court year-round. NY1's Mahsa Saeidi filed the following report.

With each serve and swing, advanced junior players are getting fitter. 

"We're doing drills, and we're playing matches," said Benny Fang, a young tennis player.

"It gives me joy when I play, when I win , when I hit the ball," said Justin Goldman, another young tennis player.

On Sundays, you'll find them hitting and chasing the ball at the Cunningham Park Tennis Center courts in Fresh Meadows. They do it for two hours.

"I wasn't always the fastest runner, but tennis has made me run faster," Goldman said. "It makes your leg muscles get stronger, your arm muscles, your hand-eye coordination."

Each summer, 6,000 city kids get free tennis lessons. During the off-season, the most dedicated continue their training at no cost.

"In the winter time, court time is expensive because there's so few indoor courts, the cost can vary anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour," said Mike Silverman, director of sports at City Parks Foundation.

"It's a really good program and it allows everybody to play for free," said William Olsen, a young tennis player.

Olsen wakes up very early to get to the facility from Staten Island. For him, it's not just about fitness.

"During the City Parks there's a load of people there, and it helps me socialize more," he said. "It helps me make more friends cause they live in a totally different place than me."

At age 17 and getting ready for college, Denise Trerotola says the sport helps foster good life skills.

"When you get a career, you always have to go there, you can't just be like, 'Oh, I have a sick day.' Like tennis, you miss one day, you're probably missing a lot," Trerotola said.

And while they do it for different reasons, they all say tennis is their sport for life.

"If you're really good, you can get medals and stuff, and it's fun," Fang said.

"I really try to do hard in my school work, because I want to get good and be a tennis player when I grow up," Olsen added.

During the month of February, Time Warner Cable News is committed to informing our viewers of the sometimes alarming trends facing our kids' health as well as provide helpful tips for busy parents.  Get more information on Fit Kids February, including the Fit Kids Challenge, healthy shopping suggestions and ways you can get involved to help make you and your children healthier!