Fitness Impact of Tennis and Pickleball: Pickleball, hailed as the fastest-growing sport in America, has gained significant traction in Columbus. However, when evaluating the fitness benefits, tennis often comes out on top. According to a study by Apple Heart and Movement, the average heart rate for pickleball players is 143 beats per minute, compared to 152 beats per minute for tennis players. Moreover, tennis enthusiasts spend 9% more time in higher-intensity heart rate zones.
What Experts Say
A recent survey by fitness app Future reveals that nearly three-fourths of fitness coaches believe tennis offers a superior workout compared to pickleball. Renee Zernicke, director of performance at Future, states,
“Ultimately the best workout is whichever one you’ll do consistently. But overall, when both sports are played at the median intensity, tennis would provide a better workout.” – (Zernicke)
The Pickleball Perspective
Doug Ulman, CEO of Pelotonia and co-founder of the Columbus Sliders pro pickleball team, argues that pickleball demands considerable speed, hand-eye coordination, and quick reflexes. Ulman recounts a pickleball outing with the Pelotonia team, noting,
“Those who had not played were amazed at how much of a workout it was and they were drenched in sweat. The fallacy that pickleball is not exercise is being proven wrong.” – (Doug Ulman)
Growing Pickleball Scene in Columbus
Columbus is experiencing a surge in pickleball popularity, with 118 public courts across the city’s parks and community centers. The city is set to expand further with the construction of the Mock Park Pickleball Facility, featuring 12 dedicated courts, slated to begin next year.
New pickleball clubs, such as Pickle & Chill on Henderson Road, Pickle Shack in Delaware, and Paddle Taps in Worthington, are emerging. Additionally, Smash Park is preparing to open in Westerville, and the Real Dill Pickleball Club is reportedly in development for Polaris.
News in Brief: Fitness Impact of Tennis and Pickleball
Fitness experts generally consider tennis to be a more intensive workout than pickleball, with higher average heart rates and more time spent in high-intensity zones. A study showed tennis players averaged 152 beats per minute compared to 143 for pickleball players.
Despite this, pickleball’s popularity is surging in Columbus, with extensive public courts and new facilities in development. Advocates like Doug Ulman highlight the sport’s demanding physicality, challenging the notion that pickleball is less of a workout.
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