Pickleball is a fun, social sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is also an excellent way to get some exercise and burn some calories. So, how many calories do you burn playing pickleball?
The answer depends on a number of factors, including your weight, intensity of play, and how long you are playing. But, in general, you can expect to burn around 250-300 calories per half hour of playing pickleball. So, if you play for an hour, you could burn up to 500 – 700 calories!
In this article, we talk about how many calories are burned playing pickleball and what are the factors that influence the burning rate.
How long does pickleball take?
Pickleball is a game that can be played either indoors or outdoors. It is a paddle sport that is similar to tennis, but the court is smaller and there are only two players on each team. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles.
A game of pickleball typically lasts about 30-60 minutes. However, the length of the game can vary depending on the skill level of the players and the number of points needed to win the game. This also influences the number of calories that are burned during a game of pickleball.
Playing more often and building strength with regular play will help you to improve your game and also burn more calories. Playing at higher intensity, in tournaments or competitive games, will also help you to increase the number of calories that you burn.
How many calories are burned playing pickleball?
The number of calories that are burned during a game of pickleball will vary depending on the individual player. A person’s weight, body composition, and the intensity of the game all play a role in how many calories are burned.
As a rule of thumb, at a low intensity level, a player will burn 8 calories per minute, while at a high intensity level the burning rate can go up to 11 calories per minute.
But, as we mentioned before, there are more factors that are influencing the burning rate. Let’s say we have two players that are facing each other: Jim and Tony. Jim weighs 150 pounds, while Tony weighs 200 pounds. After playing for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity, Jim burns approximately 250 calories, while Tony burns 330 calories.
After another 30 minutes, if Jim and Tony up their game and play at a high intensity level, Tony will burn another 475 calories, while Jim will burn just another 360 calories.
So, as you can see, the number of calories burned while playing pickleball can vary depending on different factors.
Pickleball calories burning rate table
| Pickleball typeWeight person | Pickleball(Singles) | Pickleball(Doubles) |
| 125 lbs (56 kg) | 177 calories | 133 calories |
| 155 lbs (70 kg) | 220 calories | 165 calories |
| 185 lbs (83 kg) | 262 calories | 197 calories |
| 215 lbs (97 kg) | 305 calories | 229 calories |
Factors influencing calorie burn during pickleball
There are several factors that influence the number of calories burned during a game of pickleball. These include:
Weight
The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn during any physical activity. This is because it takes more energy to move a heavier body.
Body Composition
Body composition is the ratio of fat to muscle in your body. People with a higher percentage of muscle will burn more calories than those with a higher percentage of fat. This is because muscle burns more calories than fat.
Intensity
Pickleball is played at different intensity levels, from casual games where players are just trying to hit the ball over the net to competitive games where players are trying to win points. The more intense the game, the more calories you will burn.
Duration
We think it goes without saying that the longer you play pickleball, the more calories you will burn. Just make sure you are not so exhausted that you can’t continue playing!
Single vs Double
Playing pickleball doubles is fun, but you will burn more calories when playing singles. This is because you have to move around the court more when you have to cover all the court, and you also have to hit the ball more often.
Is pickleball a good workout?
Yes, pickleball is a great workout! Not only does it help you improve your coordination and balance, but it also burns a lot of calories. So, if you are looking for a fun way to get in shape, pickleball is a great option!
Some people may not consider pickleball a “real” sport, but it is definitely a great workout! If you are looking for a fun way to get in shape, pickleball is a great option!
Whether you are looking to lose weight, or just want to have fun and get some exercise, pickleball is a great sport for all ages and skill levels. So, get out there and give it a try! You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
Cardiovascular Health
Physical activity is essential for cardiovascular health, and pickleball is no exception. Research from the Western State Colorado University shows that picklers aged 50 years or older who played three times a week for 60 minutes each had improved cardiovascular fitness and blood pressure. Additionally, pickleball is a fun way to get a full-body workout while reducing stress.
One of the many benefits of pickleball is the cardio benefit. Compared to tennis, this exercise sport is gentler on the body and reduces risk of heart attacks and strokes. A lesser-known benefit of this game is that it lowers stress levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which make us feel good. Less stress equals better health. A stronger body means fewer heart attacks and strokes.
Increases Strength
The sport of pickleball increases strength and endurance. Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Fortunately, there are many exercises you can do while playing pickleball to improve your overall fitness.
The sport has become particularly popular with seniors, which is not surprising considering its positive psychological effects. Playing pickleball improves strength, flexibility, and overall health, and it is an excellent way to stay active and socially connected.
Mental Health
Physical exercise is known to improve mental health, but there are many other ways pickleball can benefit your mind. Physical activity has many benefits, from improving your mood to preventing a relapse of depression. Playing pickleball can boost your mood by increasing levels of L-tryptophan, a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Pickleball is a great way to improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Exercise also releases endorphins, which make you feel good. These hormones also decrease the feeling of pain. Pickleball is also social, so you can socialize with other players and get social. This has numerous benefits for your overall health.
Pickleball can help you relieve stress and find energy in your life. And since it is easy to learn and play, pickleball is a great way to improve your mental health.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about how many calories are burned playing pickleball. Pickleball is a great workout, and can help you burn a lot of calories. So, if you are looking for a fun way to get in shape, pickleball is a great option!
