Why is Pickleball SO POPULAR?

Pickleball is a paddle sport combining badminton, tennis, and table tennis elements. It is a relatively new sport, but it has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. There are many reasons why pickleball is so popular, including:

• It is easy to learn and play. The rules of pickleball are simple, and the equipment is relatively inexpensive.

• It is a low-impact sport. Pickleball is a great way to exercise without putting too much stress on your joints.

• It is a social sport. Pickleball is often played in doubles, which means that you get to interact with other players.

• It is a fun sport. Pickleball is a fast-paced and challenging game that is fun to play. And last, but certainly NOT least... It’s a GREAT workout. (No, really.) Yes, pickleball has a low barrier to entry. But that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park.

In one of the few studies on pickleball, researchers found that compared to walking at a self-selected pace for half an hour, people who played doubles pickleball for half an hour had 14 percent higher heart rates and burned 36 percent more calories. Another study from Western Colorado University found that picklers averaged a heart rate of 109 beats per minute and burned 354 calories per hour, which qualifies it as a moderateintensity workout alongside hiking, yoga, and water aerobics. After playing for an hour every other day for six weeks, the players also saw significant improvements in their cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake, a measure of cardiovascular fitness.

In addition, pickleball is popular because we play it indoors or outdoors, and it is relatively easy to find courts to play on, making it an excellent option for people in all climates (even the sauna state we live in).