Top 5 Health Benefits of Pickleball

Before we discover what the top five health benefits of pickleball are, you probably want to know what exactly this awesome sport is! Pickleball is actually a combination of a few sports, including badminton, pingpong, and tennis.

It started using badminton courts, so much smaller and more accessible than a tennis court. Pickleball is a paddle sport where the paddles are made of wood or composite and they look like a ping pong paddle. The ball that is used is lightweight with holes (resembling a wiffle ball).

Pickleball can be a singles or doubles sport, but most people start in doubles. And while the rules are similar to tennis, the court is significantly smaller so there are some differences (like the no-volley zone).

There are currently 3.1 million pickleball players across the United States, according to the U.S.A. Pickleball Association. This represents a 12 percent increase from the previous year, so the sport is growing at a rapid pace.

More people are discovering pickleball and playing it for themselves, resulting in 3.1 million players improving their health and social lives with each game. Increasing your pickleball game will have many benefits for you, too! Learn the five ways your health can benefit from picking up the game.

1. Mood and Mental Health Booster

Your mood can be improved and depression can be prevented by playing pickleball. This sport is good for mental health. In addition to improving your physical fitness, playing the game is enjoyable and fun, which improves your mental health. When you are not stressed out, you can lead a peaceful life. Your mental health plays an important role in your overall health.

Participants' blood pressure levels can also be improved by this form of moderate exercise because they get their hearts pumping. Our bodies react to physical activity by releasing feel-good hormones and endorphins and taking our minds off our worries.

It is also possible to improve social interaction by taking part in a group sport. We are healthier and happier when we exchange smiles with a teammate.

Playing pickleball can not only improve your confidence, but also improve your social life. Plus, getting in shape can improve your mental health as well as your physical appearance.

2. Helps You Lose Weight and Burn Calories

Playing pickleball provides some aerobic exercise, although not as much as running (which is good for those with lower mobility). The game is ideal for older adults that want to get some moderate exercise, rather than engaging in more strenuous activities.

In this game, players move within a small court while playing ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. In addition to getting on their feet, moving around, and burning calories, pickleball provides participants with the opportunity to burn fat as they play.

Since the game is similar to tennis, but less aggressive, it involves moderate exercise. Since pickleball keeps your body active, it can contribute to weight loss if you are trying to lose weight. Although you can have fun while playing this game, it aids in burning some fat that may lead to obesity.

3. Improves Balance and Strength

Your balance can also be improved with a lively game of pickleball. Our balance can be improved as we age by regular exercise, such as the aerobic exercises needed for pickleball. Those who improve their pickleball skills will gain more strength, agility, and control.

Stronger and more flexible muscles help improve blood flow throughout the body, which is beneficial for your overall health. Strengthening your muscles will also enable you to perform a variety of tasks independently without requiring other people's assistance.

4. Better Agility and Flexibility

A pickleball game is easier on an older body because the pickleball moves much slower than a tennis ball.

The whole body is involved in pickleball, which helps improve flexibility. As a result, it can help prevent serious conditions like arthritis as well as other joint problems. In order to remain flexible, joints must be regularly exercised.

A player can tone their muscles and increase their agility by playing this sport.

5. Improves Overall Health and Wellbeing

Pickleball is also a good sport for people who have experienced injuries in the past. You can play pickleball to burn up to 40% more calories than you would walking, and without causing yourself further pain if walking is not comfortable.

Because pickleball involves physical activity, it significantly improves your cardiovascular health. Seniors love this sport as it is great for their health since it reduces their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular exercise strengthens and keeps the heart healthy.

Pickleball is Good for Your Health. Give it a try!

You can improve your overall health by playing pickleball regardless of your age. Regular exercise maintains a healthy lifestyle by enhancing the functions of different organs and keeping your mind and body fit. 

Unlike tennis, pickleball combines several different games. A moderate amount of exercise is involved in this game, so it is good for the elderly as it keeps their bodies healthy.

This game offers a variety of benefits to players as well. The key to making pickleball a regular part of your schedule is finding an exercise that you enjoy.

So, will you try pickleball for its health benefits? If you’re looking for a social activity that is easy on the joints, without a lot of running involved, pickleball can be the sport for you.