10 pickleball health benefits you never though of

• Different sports have a certain level of merit to the body
• A good number of retirees are into this sport as a recreational activity
• Essentially, pickleball, incorporates some tennis, badminton and table tennis elements

Different sports have a certain level of merit to the body which is why this article will focus on 10 health benefits of pickleball.

Predominantly an American sport, it is a low-impact sport which is rapidly growing. Both young and old people are playing pickleball, thanks to its ease of playing and easiness on the body. A good number of retirees are into this sport as a recreational activity, a big reason for this being that it is a fun package.

Essentially, pickleball, incorporates some tennis, badminton and table tennis elements. It also has a smaller net than that in a tennis court and you can play indoors or outdoors. A plastic paddle hits the hole-filled plastic ball across the net and you earn a point if your opponent fails to hit it back before touching the ground.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PICKLEBALL?

Pickleballs. Photo/Smart Turf

Unlike tennis which is physically and mentally demanding, hitting pickleball is a lot more relaxing. All you need is attentiveness and some passion to ace it. That said, here are 10 health benefits of pickleball.

IMPROVES CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Pickleball is a fantastic exercise to raise your heart rate and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Wellness studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicate that Pickleball players have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who do not play this sport.

STRENGTHENS MUSCLES AND PROMOTES FLEXIBILITY

Building muscle strength and flexibility is undoubtedly among the 10 health benefits of pickleball. The sport uses all of the body’s major muscle groups because of its continual movement and direction changes. Muscles strengthen and you become flexible in the process.

ENHANCES POSTURE

The multidirectional nature of pickleball promotes better posture and lowers the risk of injury.

BETTER BALANCE

The need to quickly change direction and move around the court helps to improve proprioception, or the body’s awareness of its position in space. This helps prevent falls and injuries, especially as people age.

MANAGING WEIGHT EFFECTIVELY AND PROMOTING WEIGHT LOSS

Playing pickleball aids in the intense burning of calories which promotes weight loss and also helps in maintaining a healthy weight. A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health cites that pickleball players burn an average of 300 calories per hour. This is compared to the amount of calories burned by tennis and badminton players.

RELIEVES STRESS

Stress relief falls as one of the 10 health benefits of pickleball. The physical activity and social interaction involved improved mood and reduce stress levels. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology indicates that pickleball players have lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to non-players.

REDUCED RISK OF DIABETES

Pickleball is a great way to control blood sugar levels. The physical activity involved in pickleball helps improve insulin sensitivity, which in turn prevents or manages diabetes. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that pickleball players have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Pickleball is a mentally challenging sport that requires quick thinking and strategic planning. This can help to improve cognitive function, such as memory and problem-solving skills. A study published in the journal PLOS One found that pickleball players had better cognitive function than people who did not play pickleball.

INCREASED BONE DENSITY

Since it is a weight-bearing activity, your bone density dramatically improves. It is essential in the prevention of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones making them brittle. Research findings published in Osteoporosis International Journal state that pickleball players have higher bone mineral density.

A Pickleball match. Photo/The New York Times

WHAT ARE THE BRAIN BENEFITS OF PICKLEBALL?

Your brain is an integral part of the 10 health benefits of pickleball in this sense. The psychological demand needed in this game sharpens your brain by virtue of rapid thinking. It improves the memory function of the brain and problem-solving abilities. In addition, it promotes a healthy brain environment by relieving anxiety and stress. This triggers the release of dopamine which is a revered mood booster. So, pickleball players exhibit higher levels of happiness compared to non-player who could be battling anxiety.

CAN PICKLEBALL GET YOU IN SHAPE?

Weight loss undoubtedly ranks top as far as the 10 health benefits of pickleball come. An hour of playing this sport burns a total of 300 calories. It gives you a full-body workout and works all major muscles in your body.

In general, pickleball is an exciting sport which is easy to learn and fun to play. Even older people enjoy playing it because it is easy on their bodies.