Pickleball – the hottest sport today is loved by young people not only because of its simple and entertaining gameplay, but it also brings many unexpected benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, increasing flexibility and reducing stress…

Pickleball is a ball game that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the sport can be played both indoors and outdoors depending on where the court is marked.

First introduced in 1965 in Washington, D.C., Pickleball was originally designed as a backyard game that the whole family could enjoy. Over the years, it has grown into a multi-generational sport, with nearly 40% growth in the number of participants in the United States alone.

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of Pickleball is that it is relatively simple to play, requiring little technique, and is suitable for most people regardless of their age or fitness level, according to Melissa Zhang, communications director for USA Pickleball.

This may explain why so many people in the United States enjoy the sport. In fact, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) reports that nearly 50 million adults in the United States regularly play Pickleball, and 70% of participants are between the ages of 18 and 44.

“Pickleball is a sport that is relatively gentle on the body, so it is a great way to exercise and help keep bones and joints strong and flexible,” Kelli Kopach, a fitness instructor at Lifetime Fitness and an educator at Deer Path Middle School, told Health magazine.

Pickleball is considered a full-body exercise that has many positive effects on health and spirit. In the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, a study found that people who played Pickleball for 6 consecutive weeks (3 sessions a week, 1 hour each session) showed stability in cholesterol and blood pressure, while improving heart, lung and respiratory health.

Some studies have even shown that playing Pickleball is better for weight loss than walking/jogging. A 30-minute Pickleball game can burn 40% more calories than 30 minutes of walking/jogging on a treadmill.

The movements involved in playing Pickleball develop balance and agility. Another notable aspect of the sport is that it helps players become more flexible, not only physically but also mentally and adaptively. Because the sport is fast-paced and constantly changing, players need to make quick decisions, adjust their tactics flexibly and adapt to the actions of their opponents as well as coordinate within the team.

“Pickleball develops thinking skills such as problem solving, situational awareness, and effective decision making under pressure. All of these benefits extend beyond the court and can also improve your cognitive health,” says psychologist Catherine Nobile.

Additionally, participating in Pickleball tournaments can also improve mental health, leading to feelings of happiness, energy, and stress reduction. It has been reported that older adults who participate in Pickleball tournaments are less likely to suffer from depression. Healthy competitive sports can also help people find purpose and set goals.

Additionally, interacting with teammates and opponents, communicating during games, and participating in post-game chats also helps improve social skills and a sense of community.

Keywords:

#sports #Pickleball #health #healthy habits