Pickleball is a fast-growing sport finding a home at more resorts, public parks, and other recreation centers. For enthusiasts like Darrin Eakins, the sport provides an opportunity to pursue a new activity with an ever-growing group of like-minded players.
Pickleball provides players with a variety of health benefits while also offering the mental health boost accompanying various forms of exercise. For many players, these make the sport a win-win, no pun intended.
Health Benefits of Pickleball
Improved hand and eye coordination
For the uninitiated, pickleball combines elements of multiple well-known games, including tennis, table tennis, and badminton, according to Darrin Eakins. The court and game action are immediately recognizable due to this, as are many of the benefits. One of these is improving or maintaining hand-eye coordination.
Many pickleball players are over the age of 60, so the additional challenge is perfect for staying healthy and in peak physical condition. These benefits can be obtained through pickleball and drills that serve as pickleball practice, such as bouncing the pickleball on the paddle.
Fast-twitch muscle fiber retention
A primary method for building fast-twitch muscle fibers is strength training. While pickleball itself is not a massive strength training exercise, it does provide an opportunity for low-key efforts to build muscle. Many game movements mimic strength-training exercises, including squatting, lunges, and more.
Cardio health gains
According to Darrin Eakins, a vigorous pickleball game is also an easy way to meet cardio goals for the day. Whether a player needs to work out several times per week or likes to stay active only a few days, pickleball is a great way to both get the heart rate up, work muscles, and improve balance and coordination.
Mental health improvements
Exercise is always connected to mental health gains due to the release of endorphins during a workout session. Darrin Eakins says pickleball provides these benefits and more.
During a great game, players can zero in entirely on the game action and release any problems for a time period as the ball is hit back and forth. Unlike more redundant sports or activities, such as walking or running, focus is required on the court, making it easier to block out distractions as a game progresses.
The game also provides a social element many players crave and can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts who can become friends on and off the court. Darrin Eakins recommends looking for a local park or recreation center with a dedicated group and signing up for games or classes.
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