FITTER Pickleball Training For Older Adults: Michael Holmstrup, a professor of exercise science at Slippery Rock University, and retired SRU employee and pickleball pro Gino Cicconi have created a new training program, FITTER Pickleball, designed to improve performance and prevent injuries for pickleball players. The program is aimed especially at older adults and mimics real court movements.
Holmstrup said, “We knew if we started a program, the goal would be to keep people healthy and able to play pickleball with their friends. Being on a resistance program is a bonus for longevity, but we also know from studies the social and community aspects are important for overall health.”
Combining Science and Pro Experience
Gino Cicconi, who retired from SRU’s Information and Administrative Technology Services department in 2018, has played pickleball for over a decade. He holds a minimum 5.0 rating and won a bronze medal in his age group at the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships. Cicconi said, “Michael specifically designed this program to keep players injury-free and on the court. All the exercises build on movements we do in every match, from reaching, to squatting or staying upright, and it especially helps older players stay safe.”
The exercises are drawn from Holmstrup’s expertise in exercise science and Cicconi’s professional-level pickleball skills. The program started after Holmstrup developed a personal regimen while watching his wife play. Cicconi acted as the first participant, and at 63, he has not sustained any injuries since starting the program.
Student Involvement and Community Impact
The duo involves SRU students in producing FITTER Pickleball, including over 125 instructional videos accompanying each spiral-bound or digital book. Holmstrup said, “I’ve really been able to tap into the fact we have a varied group of colleagues and students with varied interests. This became a way to look into the side of exercise marketing and we wanted to involve students as much as we can, because ultimately that is who will take the most away from this.”
At least 10% of earnings from the program will be donated to charity. Holmstrup added, “One of the things for me is I didn’t start this project because I want to strike it rich. The wider this goes, the better it will be for the pickleball community. I’m confident that they’ll be just like Gino, be safer on the court and have a greater time with their communities.”
News in Brief: FITTER Pickleball Training For Older Adults
Michael Holmstrup and Gino Cicconi of Slippery Rock University launched FITTER Pickleball, a program designed to improve player performance and prevent injuries. Using exercise science and pro-level pickleball experience, the duo includes SRU students in producing instructional videos, donating 10% of earnings to charity, and promoting safer play for older adults.