Here is something every senior knows. Exercise is important for a healthy life. But another important point is that most conventional exercises are simply no fun. After a life of straining against the machines in work-related efforts, most seniors are looking for something more than exercise for the sake of exercise. It is time to engage in something a bit more fun.
So rather than heading over to the gym to bore yourself to death on the spinning bike or cutting the rug with the rest of the line dancers, maybe it is time to venture out into something more fun and exciting. This is where pickleball enters the equation to provide a whole new twist on health, physical and mental vigour as well as good fun.
So rather than heading over to the gym to bore yourself to death on the spinning bike or cutting the rug with the rest of the line dancers, maybe it is time to venture out into something more fun and exciting. This is where pickleball enters the equation to provide a whole new twist on health, physical and mental vigour as well as good fun.
What is Pickleball?
With only 50 years as an official sport, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and has gained an exceptionally large following in the over 50 age group. This engaging sport combines the concepts of ping-pong, badminton and tennis. The implement used is a unique paddle or racquet, and plastic ball pitted with holes.
The rules are simple and this is only part of the attraction. At the same time, it is a challenging and exciting event with a fast pace and competitive nature. As experience levels increase so do the fun and thrills.
Seniors will be especially attracted to the friendly and social nature of the game heavily imbued with competition and improvable skills. The game first began gaining popularity in the retirement communities in sunny Florida, but the popularity of the sport soon exploded across communities all across the USA and Canada.
It can be played on outdoor courts where the added benefits of fresh air and sunshine can be fully enjoyed. When the weather turns for the worst, the game can be played indoors as well. As a matter of fact, pickleball courts can be found in parks, recreation centres and schools. Just like badminton, ping pong or tennis, this game can be played head-to-head in singles matches or teams of two.
The first thing people will ask when beginning their initial practice is why this sport, which clearly has nothing to do with dill or vinegar, is called “pickleball.” Some people believe that the creator named the sport after his dog, Pickles. But others believe that this is a reference to a type of rowing sport where participants from all types of rowing sports work together to propel a boat called a pickle boat. Because pickleball is also a combination of a variety of sporting concepts, this name was considered suitable and stuck.
Today, the USA Pickleball Association boasts a following of over 2.5 million picklers and the population is growing rapidly. The sport appeals to athletes of all ages, but there is little doubt that the vast majority of the participants are aged 55 and over.
Seniors looking for an activity that is healthy, easy on the joints and exceptionally engaging find pickleball to be the activity of choice. The game only gets more entertaining as experience and skill improve. So, let’s take a look at why pickleball has become so popular with the senior demographic in recent years.
Why is Pickleball So Popular with Seniors?
Pickleball is Ideal for All Skill Levels
The rules are simple and the skills required access to all. Because it is a lot like ping-pong most people already have a basic idea of how to play the game. This makes the game highly appealing to new players looking for something fun to do. As they move from rookies to seasoned pickleball aficionados, the sport offers excitement, skill improvement opportunities and blood-boiling competition tempered with fun and good humour.
Pickleball is a Social Activity
Seniors have a tendency to feel alone and isolated and working out at a gym and taking lonely walks through the park does nothing to combat the solitude. But, pickleball offers more chances for social development than any other sport in existence. Pickleball helps to combat isolation with social interactions. There is even plenty of room to include intergenerational components — yes! It can even be played with the grandchildren.
Playing Pickleball is Healthy
As mentioned, good healthy exercise is essential to developing good health and increasing longevity. Playing pickleball improves hand-eye coordination, balance, strength and agility and places minimal strain on the body. It is far gentler on the elbow, ankles and knees than tennis and can even be played by those suffering from joint conditions.
Then there is a great opportunity to burn excessive calories. During a mere hour of pickleball, the 150lb adult will burn 480 calories, while a 200 lb person can burn 680 calories. This is almost 100 calories more than you will burn on a golf course and 200 calories more than you will burn in a bowling alley.
Furthermore, these figures are taken from the sport played in doubles. There will be plenty more calories burned when playing in a singles match.
Pickleball is Widely Available
The Parks and Recreation Departments all across the country are rising to meet the demands of this popular sport and installing pickleball courts everywhere. This has made pickleball one of the most available at pickypickleball.com/best-pickleball-balls and affordable sports seniors can engage in regularly.
Because it can be played indoors or outdoors, it is also found in recreational locations of all types. These small courts are easy to set-up and even having one installed in your own backyard is an affordable option.
Especially well-suited to Senior Players
Anyone can play the game and enjoy a good time and excellent exercise. The physical movements are less demanding than other sports and the court is much smaller than a tennis court so there will be less running around. Furthermore, seniors can enjoy a game that is far less likely to result in physical injury. Even those with physical limitations can participate at their own pace and skill level. Considering the broad range of benefits that come from this healthy activity, it is easy to see why so many seniors are picking up their racquets and balls and heading out to courts for good clean fun and extensive health benefits.
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