For one, it burns calories and gets your heart rate up into the moderate exercise zone. It also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels. And it reduces depression.
1. Its a Great Exercise
Studies have shown that thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three times a week can increase energy levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Playing pickleball offers this benefit because it is a social activity that provides physical exercise.
Racket sports like pickleball can also help improve hand-eye coordination, which is a common problem for older adults. In addition, this type of exercise can strengthen core muscles and promote healthy weight loss by burning calories.
The popularity of pickleball has skyrocketed because it is an excellent exercise for people of all ages and abilities. The game, which is a mashup of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, has become a staple in retirement communities, but its rapidly expanding throughout the country. The game is a great way to meet new friends, as players often welcome newcomers to their groups. The socialization of this sport helps combat loneliness and isolation, which is especially important for older adults. Playing this game can also help improve mood and slow the onset of dementia.
2. Its Fun
A fun and exciting sport to play, pickingleball can be played by people of all ages and abilities. Its a great way to meet new friends and socialize while getting in some exercise.
Pickleball can also be a challenging and rewarding game, especially for those who spend time improving their skills. Racket sports like pickleball are good for developing hand-eye coordination, which is important as we age to help prevent falls and injuries.
The small size of the court encourages interaction between players, and the combination of socialization and exercise releases endorphins that can improve mood and fend off depression. If youre thinking of trying pickleball, make sure to talk to your doctor first to ensure its a safe activity for you. They may recommend wearing a protective helmet to avoid injury, or a pair of padded shorts or skorts for extra protection from flying balls. Also, tennis or court shoes are best for stability and quick side-to-side movements.
3. Its Social
Pickleball is played on a small court and requires players to interact with one another. This social activity can help reduce feelings of isolation. In addition, playing the sport can improve coordination. This is a good thing, especially as you age. The game also boosts balance, which is important to prevent falls and injuries.
Racket sports in general have been shown to improve hand-eye coordination, which is important for people of all ages. In addition, the game burns calories which is great for those who are trying to lose weight.
Playing pickleball can promote healthy relationships and even lead to lifelong friends. This is great because studies have shown that people who spend time with friends are less likely to experience depression and have a smoother transition into retirement. In fact, a study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that older mice who lived in groups had healthier brains than their counterparts who lived alone.
4. Its Affordable
Unlike tennis, where the arm muscles do most of the work, in pickleball, the legs take much more strain. This means that if you play regularly, youll build leg muscle and core strength as well.
A study published in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found that middle-aged and older adults who played pickleball three times per week for an hour each time improved their blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. These improvements can help people live independently longer and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death among older adults.
If youre thinking about trying pickleball, check out the schedule at your local rec center to see if they offer it and then look into purchasing the equipment you need. Getting into pickleball doesnt have to break the bank, but the cost of shoes, paddles and other gear can add up. You can find affordable options on major online sports gear suppliers, though.
