It’s no secret — pickleball is POPULAR. And for good reason! The fast-paced paddle sport is a great workout for people of all ages and it’s easy to see why. Pickleball is easy to learn, the rules are simple, and it can be played at any pace — from leisurely to competitive. Not to mention, you get the added health benefits that come with socializing.
So, if you’re seeking a fun, engaging way to boost your physical and mental wellness, look no further. Pickleball health benefits include:
- It’s a great cardio workout
- It helps you stay sharp
- It can improve joint health
- It’s good for your heart
- It can help relieve stress
- It’s a social sport
What is pickleball?
Invented in 1965 by American businessman and politician Joel Pritchard, 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.
It first came about when Joel and his family wanted to come up with an activity that they could play together using equipment they already had on hand. This included a badminton court, ping pong paddles, and a wiffle ball.
Why is it called pickleball?
There are a few tales as to how pickleball got its name. For example, it’s said that the Prichards’ family dog was named — you guessed it — Pickles. However, that’s been debunked, given that Pickles actually didn’t join the family until after the family coined the sport.
Perhaps the most widely accepted version is that Joel’s wife, Joan, was an avid rower. In rowing, the “pickle boat” is manned by leftover rowers that didn’t always line up to their usual crew assignments, or were less experienced. Given the leftover equipment the family used to invent pickleball, they opted to name the sport after the pickle boat.
How is pickleball different from tennis?
Pickleball is played on a 44-foot by 20-foot court, which is smaller than a regulation tennis court. Pickleball paddles are smaller than tennis racquets and have shorter handles. And pickleballs are made of plastic — similar to a wiffle ball — which means they don’t bounce as high or travel as far as a tennis ball.
Also, tennis serves are required to be overhand, whereas pickleball serves must be underhand with the ball struck below the waist.
6 amazing health benefits of pickleball
Pickleball comes with some surprising health benefits. Not only is pickleball good exercise — it comes with some fantastic mental health advantages as well. 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, and in 2022, had 4.8 million pickleballers.
Find out why! Here are six reasons we — and millions of others — love pickleball.
1. Playing pickleball is 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 move your body and help keep your heart and lungs healthy.
Pickleball is an aerobic exercise, which means it helps:
- Improve lung function
- Control blood sugar levels
- Regulate blood pressure
- Improve 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. This quick-thinking sport will also help you improve your hand-eye coordination over time.
3. It’s easier on the joints
Compared with sports like tennis or running, pickleball puts a lot less stress on your joints and muscles. Thanks to the smaller court size, pickleball players don’t have to travel as 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. Pickleball is 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.
Walking vs. pickleball for heart health
When diving into pickleball health benefits for a 2022 study, researchers compared those who walked at a self-selected pace for half an hour versus people who played doubles pickleball for 30 minutes. Although walking required 54% more steps, those who played doubles pickleball:
- Had 14% higher heart rates
- Burned 36% more calories
- Experienced higher enjoyment levels by 150%
5. Playing pickleball can relieve stress
Not only is pickleball good exercise for your body, but there are some big mental health benefits of pickleball as well. Like other physical activities, pickleball can give you a positive outlet when dealing with stresses that may be weighing on you. Taking a break for movement and socialization will likely leave you feeling refreshed and more able to manage those stressors.
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, another health benefit of pickleball is that it’s 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.
Pickleball safety tips
As with any physical activity, health and safety are top priorities for avoiding injury and reaping the true benefits. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before picking up a paddle:
- Always stretch and warm up your body before playing pickleball
- Listen to your body and give it rest if needed
- Stay hydrated!
- Do exercises that help improve your balance and coordination
Pickleball exercises to improve your game
Strength training is an essential aspect of any exercise regimen, especially for those looking to boost their athletic performance. This quick workout will help you master the court.
With a little strength training, you can work on correcting any muscle imbalances, increasing joint stability and flexibility, and enhancing your coordination — and allowing you to fully enjoy the health benefits of pickleball.
A final word on pickleball health benefits
Perhaps the best pickleball health benefit of all is that it’s 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.
Great for physical and mental health and wellness, group training offers the benefit of community and shared motivation. Find the gym nearest you to get your free new member pass and sign up for a group training class!
