How Many Calories Does Pickleball Burn?

Pickleball is a popular sport that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, played on a court with a paddle and a lightweight plastic ball. With the rise in popularity of the sport, people are starting to wonder about the health benefits of playing Pickleball, including how many calories does pickleball burns. In this article, we will explore the number of calories burned during a Pickleball game and how it can contribute to weight loss and overall fitness.

Pickleball Calories Burned Calculator

how Pickleball is an effective calorie burner and the average number of calories burned per hour

So, How Many Calories Do You Burn Playing Pickleball? The number of calories burned during a Pickleball game can vary depending on several factors, including the player’s weight, fitness level, and the intensity of the game. However, on average, it is estimated that a person can burn between 150 to 500 calories per hour of Pickleball. This is because Pickleball is a high-intensity sport that requires constant movement and engagement of all major muscle groups in the body.

  • A person who weighs 150 pounds can burn around 272 calories during 30 minutes of casual pickleball play.
  • For a more intense game, a 150-pound person can burn up to 408 calories during a half-hour session.
  • If you’re really pushing yourself during an hour-long game, you could burn up to 500 calories or more, depending on your weight and level of exertion.

Of course, these are just rough estimates, and your actual caloric burn will depend on a number of factors. However, it’s clear that pickleball can be a great way to stay active and burn some calories while having fun with friends.

the cardiovascular benefits of Pickleball and how it can help to improve overall health

One of the main reasons Pickleball is such an effective calorie burner is because it involves a lot of cardiovascular activity. The constant movement and quick, explosive bursts of energy required during a game make it an excellent way to get the heart rate up and burn more calories. Additionally, Pickleball also requires a lot of lateral movements, which can help to tone the legs and glutes.

health benefits of pickleball

In the 2018 study co-authored by Lance Dalleck, and his team aimed to investigate the cardiovascular benefits of playing pickleball. The study involved 12 participants who played pickleball for eight weeks, at least three times a week, with each session lasting an hour.

The researchers found that the participants had significant improvements in their cardiovascular health, including a 12% increase in their cardiorespiratory fitness, a 3.5% decrease in their blood pressure, and a 5% increase in their HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.

10 health benefits of pickleball

1- Improves cardiovascular health

Pickleball is a great aerobic exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health. In a study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, playing pickleball for just 30 minutes can significantly increase heart rate and oxygen consumption. This can help improve cardiovascular endurance and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2- Increased Endurance

Playing pickleball requires stamina and endurance, which can help you build up your overall fitness levels. With each game, you’ll be able to play for longer periods of time without feeling tired or winded.

3- Helps maintain a healthy weight

Pickleball is a fun and engaging way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. According to the American Council on Exercise, playing pickleball for one hour can burn between 400 and 600 calories, depending on your weight and intensity level. This can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight, which can in turn reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

4- Improved Flexibility

Pickleball requires a lot of bending, reaching, and stretching, which can improve your overall flexibility. This can reduce your risk of injury and help you move more easily in your daily life.

5- Increased Strength

Pickleball can help you build strength in your legs, arms, and core muscles. The repeated movements of hitting the ball and moving around the court can help you develop a strong and toned physique.

6- Improved Hand-Eye Coordination

Pickleball requires quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. Regular play can improve your reaction time and coordination skills, which can benefit you in other areas of your life as well.

7-  Fun and Enjoyment

Perhaps the most important health benefit of pickleball is the sheer enjoyment and fun of the game. It’s a great way to spend time with friends, get outside, and stay active.

8- Improved Balance

Pickleball requires a lot of balance and coordination, which can help you improve your overall balance. This can reduce your risk of falls and improve your overall physical stability.

9- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Regular exercise, such as playing pickleball, can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

10- Promotes social interaction and mental well-being

Playing pickleball is a great way to meet new people and stay socially active. Social isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on mental health, and staying socially engaged can help reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline. It is also a fun and engaging activity that can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.

What Burns More Calories, Singles vs Doubles?

When it comes to calories burned, singles and doubles play can differ significantly. Singles play involves more movement, as there is only one player covering the entire court. This means that players in singles matches may have to run more, take more steps, and make more lateral movements than players in doubles matches. As a result, singles play generally burns more calories per minute than doubles play.

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), playing singles pickleball can burn up to 600-700 calories per hour, depending on factors such as body weight and intensity of play. In contrast, playing doubles pickleball can burn up to 400-500 calories per hour.

calories burned pickleball vs tennis

According to Harvard Health Publishing, a 155-pound person can burn around 298 calories in 30 minutes of playing pickleball. This is similar to the number of calories burned during 30 minutes of leisurely bicycling or walking at a moderate pace.

In comparison, a 155-pound person can burn around 372 calories in 30 minutes of playing singles tennis, and around 222 calories in 30 minutes of playing doubles tennis. This is slightly more than the calories burned during 30 minutes of vigorous weightlifting or high-impact aerobics.

It’s worth noting that the number of calories burned during pickleball or tennis can vary depending on factors such as the person’s weight, intensity of the activity, and duration of play. Additionally, both sports can provide a good cardiovascular workout and help improve overall fitness levels.

FAQ’s Pickleball burn Calories

About Joanne

Joanne Russell is a highly accomplished pickleball player, writer and blogger, Joanne shares her insights and expertise on all things pickleball. She has written for a number of publications, including Pickleball Magazine and Paddle Magazine, and she is passionate about using her platform to promote the sport and help others to discover the joy of playing pickleball.

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