Health Benefits of Playing Pickleball Regularly!


Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport over the past several years.

Those who play it regularly become tremendous advocates for the sport.

However, a lot has been reported about injuries associated with playing pickleball.

And, it is true that pickleball, just like every sport, can lead to injuries.

Usually, injury risks can be minimized by stretching, warming up properly, learning the fundamentals of the game, etc.

But that leads to the question, "Are there health benefits to playing pickleball regularly?"

Yes, studies are showing significant health benefits.

Here is a list of 8 benefits players may enjoy from playing pickleball 3 times per week.

 
 1.  Decreases cardiovascular disease risk - Studies show that playing racquet sports regularly, including pickleball, decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease by over 55%.  That's more benefit than cycling, running, or weight training.

 2.  Better reaction times - Researchers have found that racquet sports players have significantly faster reaction times compared to those who don't play.  That manifests itself in life as better decision making, and better split second judgments under pressure.  That can be crucial when driving and even when shopping online.

 3.  Easier fat burning - Research has shown that playing intermediate level doubles pickleball results in players burning 350 - 550 calories per hour. And it doesn't feel like a boring, dreaded workout because it's fun competition.  Therefore, it makes burning calories and losing fat much easier.  Obviously the calorie burn depends on the intensity of the game, the length of the rallies, and whether you play back-to-back games or sit out frequently. 

 4. Better joint stability - Pickleball includes forward, backward, and lateral movements which tend to strengthen the soft tissues around your hips, knees, and ankles. That results in better joint stability.  Running and gym exercises do not impart the same joint stability benefits.  Having greater joint stability can help players prevent falls and potential fractures. 

 5.  Decreases stress - Playing pickleball demands focused attention.  That makes it less likely for you to be thinking about all the stresses in your life during the hours of playing.  Research has shown that players who play pickleball 3 x per week have shown significantly higher mental well-being scores and lower anxiety symptoms compared to those who play less often or not at all.  And with decreased anxiety and stress levels you may even sleep better, which also decreases your stress. 

 6. Decreases dementia and depression risk - Studies have shown that those playing racquet sports regularly have a decreased risk of dementia and depression.  In some studies the decrease in dementia risk was over 45% compared to those not playing.  And the Apple study showed pickleball players having a greater than 60% decrease in the risk of depressive episodes compared to those not playing. 

  7.  Better problem solving - Playing pickleball requires strategic thinking, quick anticipation, and an ability to read the intentions of opponents. These mental "workouts" improve your brain's ability to solve problems.  Who doesn't need improved problem solving in today's work, family, and financial environments?

 8.  Greater social connections - Anyone who has played pickleball regularly understands that there are numerous people you now know that you would likely never have met, had it not been for pickleball.  Some have met their eventual spouses on the pickleball court.  Many people have become close friends with players not even in their same age group just because of similar skill levels in pickleball. 


This is by no means an exhaustive list of health benefits from playing pickleball regularly.

However, it is nice to know that there are way more benefits than just how many games you won during that hour or two of play or whether you won medals in that recent tournament.

So, when you reach one of those plateaus in your game and are frustrated with the game, just realize that playing pickleball is providing you great benefits beyond the court.

So, stick with it.

You will get beyond that plateau.

And your body and mind will be glad you persisted. 

It's worth it!


Ben Holt
​CEO, Pickleball Living