Whether you’re a seasoned Federer fan or intrigued by the rapid rise of pickleball, racquet sports are a good avenue to make staying healthy not feel like a chore; the perfect blend of competition, fitness, and community are all present in either sport! Let’s explore how integrating pickleball or tennis into your routine can keep you healthy, feeling great at all times!
Boosting Cardiovascular Health
Playing tennis is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout, with the large size of tennis courts and the fast paced nature of the sport. Getting your heart rate up by sprinting across the court as fast and explosively as possible will also increase overall stamina. As little as a 30-minute, big-hitting session can make you desperately want to play more, not tire you out at all (given that you have been doing it for a while) and be really good for your heart!
On the other hand, the smaller courts and slower pace while playing pickleball still allows for a tough cardio style workout which makes it ideal for those that want something enjoyable, but not as hard to do. Pickleball–a less intimidating way to get into racquet sports, also in the beginner-friendly wheelhouse for racket-based exercise: pick’s your pickle!
Muscle Strengthening and Coordination Improvement
Strengthening your legs and core, to your arms and shoulders, tennis is a full body workout (Better Health Channel, n.d.). In addition, with such a fast pace of the game, players have to react in an ultra-quick mode and change direction easily, hence increasing muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes. Well, if you want another too fast sport which will involve your entire body then take up tennis!
While pickleball is arguably less physically demanding than tennis–well, it still gives you a great full-body workout. Shorter sprints, controlled rallies and the fast “dinks” mean it is much easier on the joints which is amazing for older players or beginners. Pickleball is a great way to enhance your hand-eye coordination and balance without the extra intensity that tennis provides.
A Social Experience
Often seen as more competitive, tennis can still be a great way to socialize, may it be a singles match, doubles, or just a relaxing rally. Participating in tennis leagues, club events, or just visiting the local court after work allows you to meet new people and bond over shared experiences–perfect for those who enjoy a challenge while connecting with others.
Pickleball, on the other hand, is gaining heat as the sport is seen as having a more friendly and inclusive atmosphere. With the smaller court size and relaxed pace, pickleball games often foster conversation and connection between players–both teammates and opponents. It is a fantastic way to stay active while enjoying a fun, social environment, especially in group settings or local leagues.
If you’re hitting the court with friends, the transparent design of the Jelli M1 mask allows for clear communication while staying safe in more social settings.
Mental Health Benefits
For your mental health, both tennis and pickleball are excellent choices. Tennis is a game both mental and physical, that challenges your capacity to stay focused in addition to the adrenaline (Broom). At the other end of the spectrum, pickleball is slower paced and social, making it a wonderful stress-reliever (Azevedo, 2024). Either way, both sports are a great escape from everyday life and bring a lot of fun, excitement, and cognitive exercises to your time.
Whether you prefer a full-body workout or more of a social experience combined with staying active, both sports have something unique to offer. Just put on a Jelli M1 mask and you will be protected from your game, even if it is an indoor or outdoor court. Find the sport that aligns best with your fitness vision and the subsequent mental benefits while hitting the court!
References:
Tennis for Cardiovascular Health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/tennis-health-benefits
Pickleball for Cardiovascular Health: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/04/29/some-action-on-a-pickleball-court-can-be-fun-and-safe-even-with-a-heart-condition
Tennis for Muscle Strengthening: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/tennis-health-benefits
Pickleball for Muscle Strengthening: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-pickleball-good-exercise
Tennis for Mental Health: https://ustamidatlanticfoundation.org/2021/05/13/tennis-creates-mental-well-being/
Pickleball for Mental Health: https://www.thepaseoclub.com/blog/how-pickleball-alleviates-depression
