Pickleball : The fitness activity that’s really catching on

Pickleball is a racquet sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played on a court smaller than a tennis court, which makes it less demanding for running around and more accessible to players of all levels.

Enthusiasts use solid racquets, usually made of composite, to hit a perforated ball over a net [2]. The game can be played as singles (one on one) or doubles (two on two). Doubles is particularly popular, especially for beginners and veterans of the sport.

What makes pickleball particularly attractive for older adults is its low impact on the joints, a more compact court which minimizes intensive running around, and the natural friendliness between players. In this sport, technique and strategy often take priority over pure power, meaning that enthusiasts of all ages and physical conditions can compete evenly.

There are many benefits of pickleball, both physical and mental. It improves cardiovascular endurance while being gentler than running or a tennis match; this makes it accessible for anyone looking to stay active without too much pressure.

Playing regularly naturally strengthens the leg, arm and torso muscles, and improves balance and coordination. These are crucial skills for preventing falls and maintaining good mobility, especially as we age. One of its major advantages is that it promotes joint mobility without any excessive impact on the knees and hips, unlike other sports which can be more demanding on the joints.

And the physical benefits do not stop there! Recent research has confirmed that playing pickleball regularly significantly improves cardiovascular condition [4]. This is because, as a form of exercise, pickleball can be compared to walking or yoga [4].

The advantages of pickleball go beyond its effects on the body: they also cover cognitive health. This sport stimulates brain function because of the rapid decision-making and constant strategic adjustments. At the same time, it significantly improves players’ concentration and reflexes. Playing regularly also helps reduce stress because endorphins are released, creating a sense of well-being which players often report after a game.

More than a simple pastime, pickleball offers a feeling of achievement and measurable progression which is good for self-esteem. A recent study confirmed these benefits and demonstrated that adults aged 60 and over who maintain regular physical activity have a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of cognitive decline/dementia [3]. Many players nowadays vouch for the friendships formed on the pickleball court and how the sport has now become an essential part of their social lives [3]. One more reason for trying it!

One of the world’s best female pickleball players is from Quebec! Catherine Parenteau shines on the world stage and is one of the very few players to have won a title in singles, doubles and mixed doubles at the same tournament. She has also worked with the Apple Fitness+ program to introduce a pickleball-specific fitness program.

Great! As you have seen, pickleball is an accessible sport. You do not need much equipment and you will have fun, no matter what your personal fitness level.

Like many sports, the most important thing is to warm up well and start gradually. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes – ideally something similar to tennis shoes so you are stable when moving sideways. Staying hydrated is also important! Check out our article on hydration to learn more.

To learn how to play, we recommend you read the rules of the game. Luckily, they are fairly simple. To learn more, an introductory course may be useful for understanding the essentials of the sport and its techniques. Most pickleball centres also offer courses.

Due to the sport’s exploding popularity, pickleball infrastructures are multiplying:

• Increasingly, municipalities are converting old tennis courts or providing dedicated spaces. Check your municipality’s website to find out whether there are any courts near you.
• Dedicated pickleball centres are appearing all over the place. Most also offer equipment rentals.
• Whether you are looking for a new social activity, a fun way to stay fit, or you just want to try out this sport that everyone is talking about, pickleball is waiting for you. Its rapid rise guarantees that you will not have any trouble finding partners. Its multiple health benefits make each and every game a valuable investment in your wellness.

See you on the court!