Is Pickleball Singles the Best Workout: A recent Forbes study has added a new dimension to the ongoing discussion about the health benefits of racquet sports. Known for its dramatic testimonials—ranging from astonishing weight loss to significant fitness improvements—pickleball has been at the forefront of these discussions. However, Forbes set out to cut through the anecdotal evidence and provide a data-driven comparison of how pickleball stacks up against other racquet sports in terms of exercise intensity.
The study utilized an Apple Watch with its fitness app to capture standardized measurements across four racquet sports: pickleball (both singles and doubles), tennis (singles and doubles), squash, and racquetball. Although the Apple Watch’s fitness app is not the most precise measurement tool available, it provided a consistent platform for comparing physical exertion. With 70 samples collected, the study categorized sessions by type of play—open, casual, league, or tournament—and rated the intensity on a scale from 1 to 10.
Pickleball Singles: The Pinnacle of Intensity
The study’s results reveal a clear hierarchy of physical exertion among the sports analyzed. Pickleball singles, particularly in tournament settings, emerged as the most intense workout. The fast-paced nature and continuous rallies of singles play demand significant cardiovascular effort, placing it at the top of the intensity scale.
Competitive Tennis: A Close Contender
Competitive tennis singles followed closely, offering a similarly vigorous workout. The demanding rallies and rapid movements in intense matches put tennis right behind pickleball singles in terms of exercise intensity. Tennis doubles, especially at the tournament level, also delivered a strong workout, though slightly less intense than singles due to reduced court coverage.
Squash and Racquetball: Challenging but Less Intense
Squash singles provided a solid workout, nearly matching tennis in intensity. The sport’s rapid pace and frequent changes in direction contribute to its demanding nature. Racquetball singles, while still a robust exercise, ranked just below squash, reflecting its somewhat less strenuous characteristics.
Pickleball Doubles: A Less Intense Option
In contrast, pickleball doubles, particularly in open play, was found to be the least taxing of the activities studied. The reduced court coverage and slower pace of doubles play result in a lower-intensity workout compared to singles. This makes pickleball doubles less of a cardiovascular challenge than its singles counterpart.
News in Brief: Is Pickleball Singles the Best Workout
The Forbes study offers a comprehensive view of the exercise intensity associated with various racquet sports. Pickleball singles emerged as the most intense workout, with competitive tennis a close second. Squash and racquetball offer solid, though slightly less intense, exercise options. On the lower end of the intensity spectrum, casual pickleball doubles provide a less demanding workout.
This analysis provides valuable insights for those looking to understand the physical benefits of these sports. For those seeking the highest-intensity workout, pickleball singles and tennis are top choices. Conversely, casual pickleball doubles offer a less vigorous but still engaging exercise. As the conversation around racquet sports and fitness continues, studies like this provide a data-driven perspective that complements personal experiences and testimonials.
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