Pickleball: A Winning combination for Health, Socialization, and Fun!
Hey there, fabulous midlife warriors! Today, let's dive into the world of Pickleball—a sport that's taking the midlife community by storm for all the right reasons. As a woman navigating the twists and turns of midlife myself, let me share why picking up Pickleball might just be the best decision you make for your health, social life, and overall well-being.
First, what is Pickleball? Picture a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played on a smaller court with a paddle and a whiffle ball. This sport has caught fire, initially for those of us in midlife, but has now spread beyond to all age groups and across social strata. It’s even being discussed as an Olympic sport! But before pickleball can officially be an Olympic sport, it needs competitive players in at least 75 other countries. So far, the International Pickleball Federation has 70 member nations. Most joined in the last three years.[i]
I started with some introductory lessons from a local parks and rec department. This kind of venue is a great source of finding players at your own level. And getting involved through a community parks and rec department will allow you to find other opportunities to play and improve your coordination and playing skills.
From my experience, I’ve seen several winning benefits from Pickleball:
Physical Fitness: At this stage of life, staying active and healthy becomes more important than ever. Pickleball offers the perfect blend of exercise and enjoyment, helping you stay fit while having a blast on the court. It's a low-impact sport, making it gentle on the joints—a major plus for those of us experiencing the occasional twinge or ache.
Socialization Opportunities: But it's not just about the physical benefits. Pickleball is a fantastic way to socialize and connect with others. Whether you're playing doubles with friends, joining a local Pickleball league, or finding open play opportunities, the camaraderie and friendly competition create a vibrant community that can uplift your spirits and keep you motivated to stay active.
De-Stress and Unwind: As women in midlife, we often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Pickleball offers a much-needed break—a chance to unwind, release stress, and focus on yourself for a change. It's like hitting the reset button, allowing you to step away from the daily grind and indulge in some well-deserved "me-time" on the court. It is the kind of game that is so fast paced that you don’t think about other things like work deadlines or unfinished projects at home. You are forced to stay “in the moment” so you really unwind.
A clear sign of Pickleball’s growth and popularity is its widespread accessibility. Courts are popping up in communities all over, making it easy to find a place to play. Plus, the learning curve is gentle, so even if you're new to the sport, you can jump right in and start having fun in no time. A great place to start is to see if your local parks and recreation departments are offering beginner classes. If not, go down to the courts or check online to see who in the area is giving lessons.
So, why should you take up Pickleball at this midlife juncture? Because it's more than just a game—it's an opportunity to prioritize your health, nurture your social connections, and infuse your days with energy and excitement. It's a chance to rediscover the joy of play, the thrill of competition, and the satisfaction of pushing your limits in a supportive and encouraging environment.
So, grab a paddle, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to “dink” up some fun and fitness on the Pickleball court. Your midlife self will thank you for it!
- Tish
[i] “As international participation grows, pickleball could end up in the Olympics”, NPR, February 2022.
Tish recommends these pickball items:
pickleball skirt by Sketchers (Amazon affliate link)
pink daisy pickleball hat (Amazon affliate link)
pickleball tee (Amazon affilate link)