How Pickleball Benefits Feet And Leg Health

Pickleball is more than just a fun activity between friends. While this can be a great way to spend time with others, this game is also a great way for individuals to improve the health of their legs and feet. Sort of a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball requires players to move across a court to reach the ball and hit it over the net. This leg movement has many potential health benefits for an individual's overall well being as well as specific benefits that apply specifically to the feet and legs.

Reduces Risk Of Blood Clots

Pickleball can provide individuals with a good, low-impact aerobic workout. Recent studies have shown individuals who participate in a sport or regularly exercise are at a decreased risk of developing blood clots. In fact, pickleball reduces the risk of blood clots in the legs by up to twenty-four percent over not participating in a sport at all. In fact, obese individuals who do not participate in sports have a forty-percent increased risk of getting a blood clot. The great news is individuals can attain this reduced risk simply by participating in pickleball at least once per week.

Improves Muscle Strength

Because players are moving around on their feet and their feet must support their body while they are playing pickleball, it is considered a weight-bearing activity. Although this type of exercise is considered low impact, the movements in the legs will help strengthen the muscles in the legs and ankles. Pickleball improves muscle strength in the calves and thighs as well as in the muscles surrounding the knee joints. To enjoy the muscle-building benefits of this racket sport, individuals should aim to play for at least a half an hour, three times a week.