Pickleball is a game of movements, more like a blend of tennis, paddle, and other racquet games, a game to be played at home or on the court for fun or for real at the national level. If someone says his/her calories burned playing pickleball, is it a reality? Here it is all explained.
A brief for the Pickleball game
Pickleball is invented back in the mid-1960s by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, a game that every age can enjoy. The sport possesses elements from different racquet games such as tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
Pickleball is played on a court similar to a doubles badminton court, with a net set to a height of 36 inches at the center. The game is typically played with a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Buy now: Pickleball Balls.
Calories Burned Playing Pickleball
As said, pickleball is all about movements; you must move back and forth, up and down, so you don’t have to miss any shots.
When it comes to burning calories playing pickleball, saying exactly how many calories will burn playing pickleball is tricky as it varies on different factors, mainly how you play. Obviously, playing an intense game will burn more calories than casual play.
Jason Schott
Secondly, it also depends on your metabolism—your body’s rate of burning calories when you exercise or play pickleball must have at least 4000 to 7000 steps minimum. Here is a rough estimate so that you can get an idea
|
Body Weight (in
pounds) |
Intensity |
Calories burn per
hour |
|
160 lbs. |
Regular |
500 |
|
200 lbs. |
Regular |
700 |
|
160 lbs. |
Intense |
900 |
|
200 lbs. |
Intense |
700 |
And,
|
Body Weight (in pounds) |
Calories burn per
hour |
|
125 lbs. |
390 |
|
150 lbs. |
464 |
|
175lbs. |
540 |
|
200 lbs. |
620 |
|
225 lbs. |
696 |
Remember that the intense game is not for everyone; you must be a pro player or physically fit to play hard.
You can use a smartwatch or a fitness tracker (Buy now) to know pickleball calories burned. For options related to smartwatches, continue to Best Tough Smartwatch.
Can you lose weight by playing pickleball?
The precise answer is yes, you can. Playing pickleball can help with weight loss as it is a form of aerobic exercise that can burn a significant number of calories.
The number of calories burned during a game of pickleball can vary depending on several factors, including age, weight, intensity level, duration of play, gender, and court surface.
However, on average, playing pickleball for one hour can burn 400 to 600 calories.
In addition to burning calories, playing pickleball can improve overall cardiovascular health, contributing to weight loss.
Aerobic exercise, such as pickleball, can increase heart rate, improve circulation, and strengthen the heart muscle.
Regular exercise can also help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve insulin sensitivity, contributing to weight loss and improved overall health.
Josephine Halim
Factors that affect the calories that burn in pickleball game
1. Age and weight of the player
The age and weight of the player can impact the number of calories burned while playing pickleball. Generally, younger and lighter individuals will burn fewer calories than older and heavier individuals due to differences in metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
This is because larger bodies require more energy to move, and older individuals have slower metabolism. However, older and heavier individuals can still burn many calories by engaging in pickleball, as the sport can be tailored to accommodate different fitness levels and abilities.
2. Intensity level of the game
The intensity level of the game can also impact the number of calories burned. Players who engage in more intense games, with faster movements and more frequent direction changes, will burn more calories than those who play slower.
Basically, the body has to work harder to produce the energy needed for quick movements and changes in direction. Additionally, playing with a higher intensity can increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular health, which can have long-term benefits.
3. Duration of the game
The length of the game can also impact calorie burn. Longer games will generally burn more calories than shorter games, as the body has more time to expend energy.
However, players should be careful not to overexert themselves, as longer games can also increase the risk of injury or fatigue. Listening to the body's signals and taking breaks when necessary is essential.
4. Gender of the player
Gender can also affect calorie burn during pickleball, as men and women have different metabolic rates and energy expenditures. Generally, men will burn more calories than women during the same activity level.
Men typically have more muscle mass and a higher metabolic rate, which means they burn more calories at rest and during physical activity.
However, women can still burn many calories during pickleball and achieve the same health benefits as men with regular physical activity.
5. Court surface
The type of court surface can also impact calorie burn during pickleball. Playing on a softer surface, such as a grass or clay court, can require more energy than playing on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt.
The reason is that the body has to work harder to maintain balance and stability on an uneven surface. However, playing on a hard surface can also increase the risk of joint and muscle injuries. Hence, choosing a court surface appropriate for one's fitness level and abilities is essential.
Conclusion; Calories burned with pickleball
Conclusively, playing pickleball is fun for all ages. As a healthy activity, it can burn calories as well as improves physical fitness.
However, you have to keep in mind that there are several factors that can affect the number of calories burned during pickleball, both internal and external. Also, you must remember that every individual’s body is different if you want to play to meet your fitness goal.
But remember, if you want to lose weight playing pickleball and making it your fitness routine, it is suggested to consult your physician before you begin any new physical activity.
With regular play and attention to these factors, pickleball can be a great way to stay active, improve overall health, and enjoy time with friends and family.
Aamna Ayub
