Can regular participation in racquet sports like tennis and pickleball extend your life? That is what a recent study by the Mayo Clinic found. In fact, that study suggested that a person could increase life expectancy by 6-10 years.
What makes racquet sports especially valuable to your health? Here are three ways that tennis and pickleball are unique in their health benefits.
#1 Racquet sports provide a full-body workout. Every part of the body is involved when playing tennis and pickleball. These sports require running short distances, bending, and sometimes squatting. The quick changes of direction improve flexibility and balance. Cardiovascular fitness is improved, and by playing outdoors, you get more natural vitamin D. The medical community knows that many if not most Americans are deficient in vitamin D, which is important for maintaining the immune system.
#2 Racquet sports require strategy and improve mental acuity. There are many ways for “couch potatoes” to exercise their brains with puzzles and games like chess. But once a person has improved their racquet play enough for reliable ball placement and good movement on the court, they can use strategy to gain many brain health benefits. Racquet sports also build hand-eye coordination, which is another type of brain workout.
#3 Racquet sports are social. There is no doubt that strong social relationships are important to maintaining a positive outlook and good mental health. Pickleball is an especially good way to vanquish loneliness and improve your mental attitude. Among recreational players, pickleball is typically played in a foursome. Because of its current popularity, heading down to the pickleball court is a great way to make new friends. Or, if you have your own court in the backyard, you are certain to have no problem issuing invitations to join you for a game.
Even though the Mayo Clinic didn’t include this among its findings, most would admit that playing a game like tennis or pickleball is a more enjoyable way of getting exercise than running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle. (There is a lot of home exercise equipment sitting around gathering dust to attest to that truth.) It might be that the real benefit of playing tennis and pickleball is that they are fun—while providing health benefits.
Grand Slam Courts would be honored to build a tennis or pickleball court for you and contribute to you and your family’s health—and maybe even a longer, healthier life. Give us a call at 210-496-3399 or fill out the form here to get a quote and learn what is possible in your backyard. A new court would be a memorable gift under your Christmas tree, too.