Active lifestyles have many benefits, such as the lowered risk of chronic health conditions, enhancing our mood, and assisting in sleep. The challenge for many people is the thought of jogging or visiting the gym is either uncomfortable or unrealistic based on time or health limitations. Initially, that may have been the appeal of pickleball to many of the 50+ population. Pickleball not only provides health benefits but has features that allow for varying intensity levels. People recovering from injuries or limited mobility can benefit from its low-impact nature, while many people are finding out quickly that at the more advanced levels pickleball can be an incredibly exhaustive sport.
Here is how pickleball is not only fun, but a gateway exercise to people who may not be active otherwise:
The joints won’t suffer (kinda.)
There is less space and longer rallies on a pickleball court than on a tennis court; a regulation pickleball court is ⅓ the size of a regulation tennis court, so in terms of space to cover, you have less territory to defend. Because of this pickleball does not impose as much strain on joints or muscles as you might find in tennis.
But be cautious – a smaller playing surface doesn’t mean you are without rapid changes of direction at a moment’s notice. These smaller, more intense movements can be especially challenging for those with existing knee or hamstring issues.
Calorie burner
While not as common, pickleball can be played in a singles format as well as the more common doubles standard. Many dedicated pickleball players are committed to drills and practice multiple times a week as well, another sure way to burn calories. Like many recreational sports, the more advanced you become the higher intensity the workout becomes. Even with a smaller playing surface the constant motion and re-direction is a workout.
Healthier heart
As a result of playing pickleball, you have a better chance of fighting heart disease, hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks. The health benefits of pickleball include lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar levels, and losing weight. Pickleball increases cardiovascular health and helps keep you healthy as you age, preventing high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks.
It is essential to remain active as you age; pickleball is an excellent way to boost your fitness even as your age advances. By regularly playing the sport, you can gain strength, agility, and control, all while improving your pickleball skills. Gradual improvement is noticeable as blood flows freely through sports activity when your muscles are strong and flexed. Moreover, you are also able to perform different tasks independently with the help of your muscles.
Improves mental health
As well as being an excellent exercise for your body, pickleball requires constant mindfulness from one shot to the next. There is a strategic element to pickleball that separates beginners from intermediate and advanced players. The social aspect of pickleball is another benefit of the sport, as the competitiveness never seems to outweigh the fun and playful attitude of the players. For people who are not naturally athletic, pickleball can be a great gateway sport that allows them to compete while remaining active.
Final verdict
There is a reason the popularity of pickleball is outpacing any other sport on the globe. It is immediately accessible, requires a minimal financial investment and can be quickly learned by almost anyone. The ancillary benefits in physical and mental health make pickleball an easy choice when you are looking for a new sport in which to compete. Once you start, we’re betting you won’t stop!
