This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @rowanuwellness on social.
Physical activity is crucial for enhancing your physical, mental, and social health and well-being in many ways. It is known to improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve your capability of performing everyday tasks and any tasks that might seem challenging. In short, proper health and wellness play a significant role in enhancing your quality of life. Starting as simple equipment with rules that were easy to follow, pickleball has slowly become one of the most popular sports in the US.
Originating in 1965, pickleball continues to be played nationwide, for fun and competitively, unifying fundamentals of ping pong, tennis, and badminton. It is a highly flexible sport for all ages, can be played indoors or outdoors, as singles or doubles, and is beginner-friendly but can be turned into a fast, more competitive game. The equipment is also affordable and easy to bring on the courts, making this sport user-friendly. Pickleball is gaining traction throughout the U.S., mainly in California, Florida, and Texas.
What makes this sport so popular? For starters, anyone can play regardless of skill level, and it offers many benefits for overall health in several ways. As a sport that is low impact, pickleball is very friendly and easy on the body, making this sport accessible to people of all ages. Additionally, pickleball aids in the health of bones and muscles, because of consistent movement. It also does wonders in improving cardiovascular health, specifically improving cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure. Another benefit of pickleball is the improvements in hand-eye coordination as you are constantly hitting and receiving the ball, which helps to keep your mind strong. Like most sports, pickleball helps to release endorphins, which are mood-supporting chemicals released to relieve stress and anxiety. Beyond its physical and mental benefits, pickleball allows individuals to build more social connections, which in turn improves social health and wellness.
In short, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports across the nation all for good reasons: its versatility and many health benefits make it a sport fit for everyone. If you are interested in trying out pickleball for yourself, Rowan University offers pickleball as part of its intramural sports. There are also many different parks around Gloucester County, such as James G. Atkinson Park, Washington Lake Park, and New Street Park which have many pickleball courts. Many of these parks also offer lessons to help you brush up on your skills and take your game to the next level. Whether you’re looking to let loose and have fun or go head-to-head with your friends, pickleball is an enjoyable way to improve your overall health and wellness.
Written By: Isabella Agostini
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