Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and for good reason. Here are six health benefits of this rapidly growing sport.
You might think that pickleball is a game reserved for retirees. But this fast-paced paddle sport is actually a great workout for people of all ages. Why? Pickleball is easy to learn, the rules are simple, and it can be played at any pace — from leisurely to competitive.
What is pickleball?
Invented in 1965, pickleball is often described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played as singles or doubles, and all you need is a ball, a paddle, and a pair of sneakers. Plus, it comes with some surprising health benefits. It’s no wonder the game is growing at an astounding rate.
Don’t just take it from us: From 2013 to 2020, the USA Pickleball Association membership increased by more than 1,000%, and there were an estimated 3.3 million pickleball players in the U.S. That number just keeps growing, as the game is now played in more than 25 countries.
Find out why! Here are six reasons we — and millions of others — love pickleball.
Health benefits of pickleball
1. It’s a great cardio workout
It’s estimated that a game of pickleball can burn up to 600 calories per hour, making it an excellent way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Pickleball is an aerobic exercise, so it helps improve your lung function, control your blood sugar levels, regulate your blood pressure, and improve your cardiovascular conditioning.
2. It helps you stay sharp
Pickleball is a fast-paced game that requires split-second decisions. Research has shown that playing pickleball can help improve your cognitive function and memory recall. Bonus: This quick-thinking sport will also help you improve your hand-eye coordination over time.
3. It’s easy on the joints
Another benefit? Pickleball is a low-impact sport. Unlike tennis or running, pickleball doesn’t put a lot of stress on your joints and muscles.
It’s played on a 44-foot by 20-foot court, which is smaller than a regulation tennis court. As a result, pickleball players don’t have to travel far to keep the ball in play, reducing the strain on their knees, hips, and ankles. The underhand serve also minimizes muscle and joint stress, making pickleball an ideal sport for all ages.
4. It’s good for your heart
Because pickleball is such an intense cardio workout, it’s great for your heart health. In fact, one study showed that playing pickleball may lower your risk of heart disease by positively modifying risk factors like cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
5. It can relieve stress
Not only is pickleball excellent exercise for your body, but it can distract you from stresses that may be weighing on you — and allow you to focus on something positive and enjoyable instead.
Plus, aerobic activities like pickleball cause your body to release endorphins, feel-good neurotransmitters that help relieve stress and anxiety.
6. It’s a social sport
Because it requires at least two players, pickleball is a social sport. It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends, especially if you join a club or league. Not only will you get to socialize, but you’ll also get some exercise in the process. That’s what we call a win-win.
What’s more, social sports like pickleball can help ward off feelings of loneliness and depression, and increased socialization may even help you live longer.
Perhaps the best benefit of all is that pickleball is just plain fun! No matter what your skill level or fitness goals may be, if you’re looking for an enjoyable way to get active, pickleball fits the bill.
Before you pick up a paddle, don’t forget to warm up! Check out this simple stretching routine that will help you be on your A-game when you hit the court.
Mahalo Anytime Fitness for the info!