Pickleball has been a popular sport since 1965 and has recently become a favorite pastime at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.  In fact, many of our YMCA members have begun to incorporate pickleball into their regular exercise routines.  This paddle sport is simple, fun and a great way to stay physically active.

Staying active at any age will help to improve your physical and mental health in a variety of ways, including:

Stress Relief

Playing a game or two of pickleball will help to release endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain.  When these endorphins are released, you can say ‘goodbye’ to your stress.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

It won’t take long to notice that pickleball serves as an excellent cardio workout.  As you play, you will boost your cardio health and help to prevent heart disease.

Weight Management

Pickleball is a great cardio workout, so you will be sure to burn lots of calories during each game.  This can help participants to achieve and maintain their healthy weight goals.

Improved Muscle Strength

This game is an excellent way to work against the loss of muscle mass, especially for women.  Pickleball is considered a weight-bearing exercise, so you’ll be toning your muscles while you play!

If you’re wondering where you can find this popular game, look no further than the C.W. Avery Family and Morris Community YMCAs. The C.W. Avery Family Y offers free open adult pickleball for YMCA Facility Members, ages 18 and up, on Friday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. Or, you can join one of two new pickleball sessions at the Morris Community Y. New sessions will get underway on Wednesday, March 13, at Shabbona Middle School in the old gym.

To learn more about the physical and mental health benefits of staying active and playing sports like pickleball, check out this article, courtesy of Mueller Sports Medicine.