Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, offers more than just entertainment. With its dynamic movements and engaging gameplay, pickleball can deliver a satisfying aerobic workout while strengthening various muscle groups.
The Science behind Pickleball
Dr. Mia Hagen, a respected surgeon and the director of the Sports Medicine Center at Husky Stadium, highlights the heart benefits of pickleball.
"One of the biggest advantages of pickleball is its positive impact on cardiovascular health," says Dr. Hagen.
"It provides an enjoyable aerobic exercise alternative for those who may not find running or biking appealing."
How? Hagen describes that:
- Engaging in aerobic and endurance exercises helps fortify the heart, enhance circulation, and boost its ability to pump blood to the muscles.
- Just a couple of pickleball games can fulfil the 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week that health experts typically recommend.
- Pickleball aids in developing strength, flexibility, and balance.
Pickleball demands quick reflexes, and it can significantly improve your muscle reflexes. The ability to react swiftly to stimuli, such as a pickleball hurtling toward your face, is crucial.
- By playing pickleball regularly, you can refine these reflexes, enabling your brain to make rapid calculations and send signals to your muscles, helping you dodge incoming objects.
Is Pickleball all physical?
Aside from the physical advantages, pickleball offers an avenue for forging new friendships and nurturing mental well-being. Julia Jones, a portfolio manager at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, frequently engages in impromptu pickleball matches at local neighbourhood courts.
"Pickleball is a fantastic contributor to mental and emotional health due to its ability to foster social connections," explains Jones.
"Playing pickleball outdoors is also a delightful way to enjoy fresh air." Jones emphasises that pickleball has the unique capacity to bring people together and create a sense of community.
The sport for your future
In conclusion, pickleball offers a wide array of advantages that extend beyond physical fitness. Whether you're relishing the health benefits on court derived from its aerobic nature or embracing the opportunity to build new friendships and improve your mental well-being off court, pickleball is a sport worth exploring.
We here at Laneway Paddle encourage you to pick up a paddle and have a hit - you never know what might come out of it!