The many benefits of Pickleball

 

We seem to be hearing a lot about this great new sport with the funny name. It’s being played everywhere, and rumor has it that it will become an Olympic sport soon. But what’s it mean to you? For starters, the game is just plain fun. But here’s a great article from a Texas shop that fills us in on some of the other benefits. Pickleball is fun and good for you, and here’s why!

What is it about pickleball that makes it such a special sport?

Pickleball = Physical Activity: Exercise has numerous benefits. Pickleball is a great (and fun) way to stay active. Benefits of physical activity include:

* Maintaining the ability to live independently longer

* Reducing the risk of falling and breaking bones

* Promoting healthy muscles, joints and tendons

* The hand/eye coordination of pickleball is even said to help people battling Parkinson’s disease.

Pickleball = Brain Games: Exercise doesn’t just have physical benefits for our bodies. It also has wonderful benefits for our minds. Studies show time and time again that exercise has a significant anti-depressive effect. You may have heard of a “runners high” that marathoners feel after a long run? Well there is a “pickleball high” too! The dopamine rush that pickleballers feels keeps them coming back to the court! In addition to the physical and “feel good” benefits, studies have shown that exercise is associated with long-term improvements in mental function and is the single best thing you can do to slow the cognitive decline that occurs as we age.

Pickleball = Friendship & Community: Humans are social creatures, and we’re hard wired to connect with other humans. In today’s digital world, it can sometimes be challenging to find ways to connect with others. This is especially true across generations. Pickleball is a great way to connect and make new friends (no iPhone required!). The pickleball community is incredibly supportive and friendly. Pickleball is known to have a lighthearted culture – most players don’t take themselves too seriously. You’ll find people often have a good laugh and smile on both the amazing good shots AND the amazing bad shots!

Pickleball = Accessibility: You don’t need to be particularly athletic to get something meaningful from pickleball. This is a game that literally has players that range in age from 9 years old and 90 years old. What other sport can say that? You can play casually with other beginners. If you’re a bit nervous or intimated to try something new, consider signing up for a beginner class. It helps to go through the learning process with others. Lastly, pickleball is not an expensive sport. Paddles are relatively inexpensive and will last for years. And you can often find places to play for free.

Pickleball = FUN: You’d be hard pressed to find someone that has played pickleball that wouldn’t describe it as fun. It is almost a guarantee that you’ll be laughing and smiling before, during and after playing pickleball. Life is too short not to be having fun!

Article and logo used with permission from Amazin’ Aces, Austin, Texas