Pickleball is gaining traction across all age groups and fitness levels as a trendy new exercise, and for good reason! If you’re new to this paddle sport, think of it as a fusion between tennis, badminton, and even ping-pong. It’s a one-on-one sport played on an (indoor or outdoor) badminton-size court, requiring just a paddle or racket. Perfect for people of all ages and skill levels, it’s a healthy recreational activity that offers numerous health benefits, both mentally and physically. Whether you’re using it as a fun and social way to stay fit or as a low-impact exercise, pickleball could be the perfect addition to your fitness and wellness routine. Keep reading to learn the benefits of pickleball, and why you should consider it!
10 Health Benefits of Pickleball
#1 Improves Cardiovascular Fitness
Similar to badminton and tennis, the game of pickleball requires constant movement around the court. As an aerobic exercise, this continuous activity helps to elevate your heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular endurance. In fact, engaging in this sport regularly, like other forms of physical activity, can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and even decrease the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease. And because it’s a moderate-intensity exercise, it’s accessible for all fitness levels and can be played multiple times a week without exhausting the body.
#2 Promotes Social Connection and Community
One of the reasons pickleball has gained popularity is due to its fun and competitive nature. It’s often played in doubles, and makes for a great group or community activity. For older and younger adults alike, these social interactions are particularly powerful, as they can help promote happiness and prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness. Consider getting a group of friends together to play and extend the invite to anyone interested in joining!
#3 Supports Mood and Mental Health
Pickleball contains all the necessary ingredients to support mood and mental health. As a physical activity, you’ll benefit from the release of endorphins, natural mood boosters with stress-busting benefits. Plus, the social aspect of the game can further contribute to emotional well-being by providing a sense of community and support. And because this game requires focus, you’ll even support your cognitive health! A win-win-win.
RELATED: New Research Shows Just How Powerful Exercise is For Mental Health
#4 Promotes Bone Health
Bone health naturally declines with age, making pickleball particularly beneficial for older adults, as it can significantly support bone density. According to research, weight-bearing exercises are some of the best forms of movement to support bone health. Fortunately, with all the running, jumping, and quick movements required in pickleball, it contains all the movements needed to support and maintain bone growth and strength.
#5 Enhances Balance and Coordination
Pickleball requires players to move quickly and change directions frequently, which helps to improve balance and coordination. This is especially beneficial for older adults, as maintaining good balance can prevent falls and injuries, a common occurrence among this population.
#6 Aids in Weight Loss and Weight Management
Like other forms of aerobic exercise, pickleball can help with weight management by burning calories and increasing metabolism. Depending on the intensity, you could burn up to as much as 600 calories per hour, with moderate-intensity pickleball burning an estimated 350-450 calories — impressive.
#7 Is A Low-Impact Form of Exercise
As a low-impact sport, pickleball helps minimize stress placed on the joints, serving as a great fitness activity for those prone to injury or suffering from arthritis and other joint issues. However, don’t mistake low-impact for easy! Easily adapted to match individual fitness levels and abilities, pickleball can be as leisurely or intense as you want it to be.
#8 Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
Swinging the racket and bending over to pick up the ball are movements required in pickleball that help enhance your flexibility and improve range of motion. Crucial for longevity, reduced risk of injury, and overall mobility, adopting a regular pickleball practice can help keep you agile and support your youth.
RELATED: What is Mobility Training & Why is it Important For Longevity?
#9 Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle
If you’re lacking motivation to move, this form of physical movement may be just what you need. Serving as a workout without feeling like you’re working out, pickleball is a great way to stay active in a fun and enjoyable way. Not only will it help you burn calories and support physical fitness with each game played, but because it’s enjoyable, you’re more likely to stay consistent with this fitness routine.
#10 Provides a Full-Body Workout
Targeting the arms, legs, shoulders, and even your core, pickleball works multiple muscle groups and is a great full-body workout. Plus, you’ll support cardiovascular health while also improving strength, helping to build and maintain lean muscle and endurance.
The Takeaway
Helping to promote social connection, bust stress, improve bone health, and support a healthy weight, pickleball is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Plus, it will work your entire body, and encourage a healthy lifestyle, on and off the court! So, grab a racket, challenge some friends, and leave it all on the court.
