The Health Benefits of Pickleball
It’s no secret that one of the best ways to boost your health is through consistent exercise. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be hard. Even moderate physical activity done on a regular basis will create marked improvements in your health and well-being. There are tons of ways to get a good workout–especially at our Grove campus–but one worth pondering is the game of pickleball.
What is pickleball, you ask? Believe it or not, it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the US. It has aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong all rolled into one super-fun, easy-to-learn court sport. Not only is it enjoyable to play, but there are also a number of health benefits to gain from regular play. These include:
Physical benefits
People of all ages, young and old, find pickleball favorable from a physical standpoint. Why? One, the speed of the ball is slower than the speed of a tennis ball, making it easier for both young and old bodies to react; two, the sport is played on a smaller court than tennis which makes it more gentle on your body. You’ll burn calories, yet experience fewer injuries since it is a low-impact sport. What’s more, it can improve your balance, agility, and hand-eye coordination. All three are a bonus for those looking to enhance their golf game.
Psychological benefits
Here’s a huge perk: Pickleball can help boost your mood. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology in 2017 found that the more deeply involved players were in the sport, the more likely they were to have a positive outlook on both aging and their overall lives. Routinely playing pickleball will also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression — which is ideal for anyone, no matter how old (or young) you are.
Social benefits
Anywhere you play pickleball you’ll create some great friendships, because it’s a social sport. Playing pickleball regularly with a group of people increases not only feelings of connectedness but emotional support too. What’s more, consistently engaging in fun, physical activity with friends increases the chances that you’ll continue that activity into the future. The consistency is key, and that feeling of camaraderie can help make it happen.
Pickleball is a cinch to learn and loads of fun to play, which makes it easy for players of all ages and skill levels. Harbor Club has multiple pickleball courts, with plans to build more in the future. Currently, our members play co-ed doubles on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 9am; women play on Wednesdays at 9am; and men play on Thursdays at 9am. We’d love for you to stop by and check out our facilities and everything else that Harbor Club has to offer. Start planning your visit today.