How pickleball can substitute for a trip to the gym

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. Not only do players enjoy the sport, but they have found it to be a great cardio workout.

73-year-old Donna Robertson started playing pickleball four years ago and recently became a member at ACE Pickleball Club in Broken Arrow. She said the sport keeps her moving and is great for socialization.

Mental & Physical Health

May is National Mental Health and Physical Fitness Awareness Month. Research shows regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression and dementia by 20-30%.

More Oklahomans are trading in treadmills and dumbbells for courts and paddles. Member specialist Wyatt Vanse at ACE Pickleball Club said a game of pickleball can be a full-body workout. "You get low, get your legs involved, have to squat down under the ball, get your arms, shoulder, and forearm involved in that swing," he said.

Tracking Steps, Burning Calories

Robertson wears an Apple Watch when she plays pickleball to track her steps, calories, and monitor her heart rate. "My goal each day is at least 6,000 steps and that is very achievable when you are playing pickleball," she said.

The calories burn off much faster and Robertson said she has more fun on the court than she would in a gym. "You are not in the hot, sweaty gym, pumping iron," she continued saying, "You are out here having a good time, laughing, and cutting up."

Get in a Game

With pickleball's increasing popularity, courts are popping up all over Green Country. ACE Pickleball Club is a member-focused facility at 2326 E Kenosha St. in Broken Arrow. A membership allows players to reserve a court, use the ball machine, and take part in mixers, events, and tournaments at no additional cost.

Several area parks and community centers also have indoor and outdoor pickleball courts that are open to the public including:

-Broken Arrow Central Park Community Center

-Buddy LaFortune Community Center

-Case Community Center

-Chandler Park

-Claremore Recreation Center

-Explorer Park

-Florence Park

-Haikey Creek Park

-Heller Park

-Hicks Park Recreation Center

-Holiday Hills Park

-Langenheim Park

-Lions Playground

-McClure Park

-Nienhuis Park

-Norberg Park

-O'Brien Park Recreation Center

-Rayola Park

-Reed Park & Community Center

-South County Recreation Center

-Tracy Park

-Vandever Park

-Whiteside Park Recreation Center