Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, played with a paddle and a plastic ball on a court that is smaller than a tennis court. Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
It is a great sport and you might have probably played it and want to get involved to exercise and lose weight. But does pickleball helps to lose weight? How many calories does pickleball burn per hour? If these are your questions, you don’t have to worry because this article contains helpful information on how many calories you will burn playing pickleball.
How Many Calories Does Pickleball Burn?
The number of calories burned during pickleball can vary depending on factors such as body weight, intensity of play, and game duration.
On average, pickleball can burn around 300 to 500 calories per hour for a person weighing around 155 to 185 pounds (70 to 84 kilograms).
A person weighing 200 pounds (90 kilograms) can burn 700 calories per hour. If you are playing it at a higher intensity, a 160-pound person can burn as much as 700 calories per hour, and a 200-pound person as much as 900 calories per hour.
However, it’s important to note that individual calorie expenditure may vary. Factors like fitness level, playing style, and intensity can affect the calorie burn rate.
Overall, the number of calories burned while playing pickleball can be influenced by various factors such as the intensity of play, player weight and height, duration, playing surface, type of shot, frequency of movement, and overall fitness level. Generally, the more intense the game, the longer the duration, and the larger the player, the more calories they will burn.
Can You Lose Weight Playing Pickleball?
Yes, playing pickleball can be a beneficial activity for weight loss. It is a fast-paced sport that involves constant movement, quick bursts of energy, and aerobic exercise.
Regular participation in pickleball can help burn calories, increase heart rate, and contribute to a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.
Combining a healthy and balanced diet with pickleball is essential to effectively lose weight, meaning you consume fewer calories than you burn. Regular pickleball sessions can contribute to weight loss over time.
Other Health Benefits Of Pickleball
Pickleball offers several health benefits beyond weight loss. Here are some additional benefits:
1. Enhances cardiovascular fitness
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that involves continuous movement, agility, and bursts of speed. The Medical University of South Carolina stated that racket sports enhance cardiovascular health, strengthening the heart and lungs and reducing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.
2. Improves muscular strength and endurance
Playing pickleball engages various muscle groups. The constant movement, swinging of the paddle, and quick changes in direction help to build muscular strength and endurance. This can improve overall strength, particularly in the legs, arms, shoulders, and core muscles.
3. Increases balance and coordination level
Pickleball requires quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and precise footwork. You can enhance your balance and coordination abilities by practicing these skills during gameplay. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults, as it helps reduce the risk of falls and improves overall stability.
4. Promotes good mental ell-being
Physical activity like pickleball can positively affect mental health. It helps release endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones, promoting well-being, reducing stress, and improving mood. Additionally, the social aspect of pickleball, playing with friends or in groups, can enhance social connections and combat feelings of isolation.
5. Good for bone health
Like many weight-bearing activities, pickleball can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. During gameplay, the impact and stress on the bones stimulate bone growth and strength.
6. Great for weight management
As mentioned earlier, pickleball can contribute to weight loss due to its calorie-burning nature. It can also help with weight management by increasing metabolism and improving body composition by developing lean muscle mass.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a good sport that helps you burn calories, leading to weight loss. Weight loss is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, overall diet, and other lifestyle choices. Adding pickleball into a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and appropriate portion control will likely yield the best results.
Increasing your intensity and speed helps you to burn more calories while playing pickleball.
