It’s time to pick up a paddle if you want to protect your heart and boost your mood. We aren’t talking about tennis or ping-pong because it’s all about pickleball. This sport, which is a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, skyrocketed in popularity within the last 10 years. In fact, the USA Pickleball Association recorded a membership increase by more than 1000% from 2013 to 2020.
The sport gained additional momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, which encouraged recreational opportunities closer to home. Participation surged nearly 40% between 2019 and 2021, and a 2022 report noted a total of 4.8 million U.S. players of all ages and fitness levels.
What Is Pickleball?
Active older adults are especially drawn to pickleball. About 60% of all the people who play are 55 years and older, while 33.7% of participants are 65 and older. It’s not just a sport for retirees, though, as many coaches claim that they teach seven-year-olds to 78-year-olds. Beginners are always welcome and the rules are fairly easy to learn. Plus, there are many instructional videos online that give tips to master the basics of pickleball. Aside from the fact that pickleball is a fun and communal sport, the following five reasons may be why millions love the sport.
Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease
One study monitored middle-aged and older adults who played one hour of pickleball three days a week for six consecutive weeks. Researchers noted that participants improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. What do these positive changes mean in relation to heart health? These are significant changes, especially when you consider the large percentage of American adults that have elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels. That increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, so lowering those numbers may improve heart health and lower the risk of serious disease.
It’s Easy On Your Joints
Pickleball is a great low-impact sport, unlike tennis or running. The sport doesn’t put a lot of stress on the joints and muscles, especially since it is played on a smaller court than a regulation tennis court. That means that pickleball players don’t have to travel as far to keep the ball in play, especially if they are playing doubles. By not having to move as much, you don’t put unnecessary strain on the hips, knees, and ankles. Plus, the underhand serve minimizes muscle and joint stress, reducing the risk of shoulder injury.
A Fun Way To Exercise
One of the reasons why people stop exercising is they stop finding joy in the activity. Going to the gym can become a chore, especially if you go alone and don’t have goals. When you find your exercise enjoyable, you are more inclined to stick with it, according to experts. Science offers an explanation, with one study saying that people become loyal to pickleball because it helps people achieve fitness goals and enhance social connections. It’s like a two-for-one workout and mood booster in one! Additionally, a few games of pickleball is much different than an hour in the gym. At the end of your pickleball session, you may wonder where the time went, as opposed to dreading each minute of your gym session.
You May Stay Independent Longer
According to health experts, older adults who remain active late into life can live independently for longer. Playing pickleball is not only a great form of exercise, but also a great way to enhance balance and improve reflexes. The movements in pickleball may also help increase range of motion, minimizing arthritis symptoms that get in the way of everyday tasks. With pickleball, you also have to consider hand-eye coordination, which doesn’t improve if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
You May Reduce The Risk Of Depression
There are many studies that confirm the link between exercise and overall mood. Exercise is a proven mood booster, and pickleball is no exception. One study found that older adults who played in pickleball tournaments experienced a reduced risk of depression. Study authors believe that the combination of exercising and socializing is the key to enriching the lives of older people. Engaging in games of pickleball may help buffer any negative emotions that people may experience during the transitions to retirement and later life.
