According to experts, pickleball has become the most popular sport in the United States for the third straight year. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Jenna Bush Hager, and Michael Phelps have all taken up the sport, and many tout its benefits as a means of improving cardiovascular health, and agility and hand-eye coordination. However, some argue that pickleball may not provide enough muscle-building or meet the recommended dose of weekly cardiovascular exercise according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, experts suggest that those fairly sedentary may reach a limit to their strength and fitness after about eight weeks of playing.
To achieve a more comprehensive workout for pickleball, experts recommend supplementing the sport with strength training at least twice a week. This includes exercises for the lower body, upper body, and trunk, as well as additional moves to avoid injury and cardio workouts for endurance and speed.
Overall, it is suggested that players tailor their supplemental training based on their individual needs, level of play, and practice frequency in order to bolster their performance on and off the court.