PICKLEBALL The fastest growing sport you've never heard of
Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The game has had a 650 percent increase in numbers over the last six years, according to USA Pickleball Association. The biggest subset of that growth is not in the over-60 crowd, says Justin Maloof, executive director of USAPA, but the younger set.
Beyond being fun, it's racking
up some serious benefits!
Beyond being fun, pickleball has proven to rack up benefits whether played casually or hard core. It was originally made popular by Baby Boomers, but the sport has made a generational jump and is now being played by all ages. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association 2018 Participant Report, pickleball currently has 3.1 million players in the US. Regardless of age, health benefits give pickleball a large appeal physically, socially, and mentally.
Future courts will be built in phases.
Nette Schultz Park Pickleball Court
Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease A recent study in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found middle-aged and older adults who played one hour of pickleball three days per week for six weeks improved their blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Can Cut Your Risk of Depression Exercise in general is a proven mood booster—and pickleball is no exception. A recent study in Leisure Studies found older adults who played in pickleball tournaments had a lower risk of depression. Can Get you Hooked on Exercise A study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found people become loyal to the sport because it helps them meet their fitness goals and enhance social connections. It’s a two-for-one workout!
Ready to Give it a Shot? Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. at North Lakes Rec Center and on Saturdays from 9 to noon at Denton Senior Center.
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