I don’t know how long it will last, and my point isn’t to encourage anyone to play pickleball - but it is to highlight the value of exercise if your goal is to age well.
I am 82, also completely un-athletic, but try to swim once a week, as well as do my yoga once a week. You can see me stand on my head (two minute video) here:
I am very uncoordinated at racquet sports, probably because I haven't done them very much. The first time I tried pickleball it was hilarious. I doubt there has been a worse beginner PB player, but at least I stayed on my feet even if I returned very few balls🤣 I think starting a new sport is difficult so I applaud you Janice!
Hi Donna, Fortunately my daughter is willing to put up with me. Starting any sport is pretty hysterical - my body doesn't know the meaning of the word. But we have fun with it - and I guess that's what is important.
I can't NOT exercise. But I'm bored. I walk/jog, ride my bike, lift weights, sometimes jump on my rebounder (in the living room so can't use the excuse the weather is bad outside for doing nothing), and hike in the park across the street - where I know every twig, limb, exposed tree root, and patches of moss on and along the trail.
I loved ping pong, badminton, croquet, shuffleboard, golf, and swimming, while growing up.
Pickleball? There is a league in the gym for seniors. If you can do it, maybe I can't "try" it out, step out of the comfort zone... you mentioned the point wasn't to encourage anyone, but you did... I'll let you know how it turns out. If nothing else, stepping out of our comfort zones is a form of exercise too.
Hi Patti, Please do let me know how it goes. My son and his wife play regularly at the local church. I think there must be some kind of endorphin release when we exercise - I noticed it when we ran years ago and immediately the first time I played pickleball. For me, it's also about being outdoors.
My favorite feeling in the whole world (other than from the love of my husband) is staying in motion and getting the endorphin kick it gives me. It takes a lot to get me there—I have to get my heart rate up to actually experience it, running is out now, so swimming and biking are it.
A pickleball player gave a racquet to try out, so no excuses now! I hope it works out for me, I need something new, and social aspect sounds like a great side to learning a new sport, too!
My husband started playing a few months ago. As an ex tennis player he still gets a little too over zealous on the court. I’m going to have him read this to remind him to have fun. Happy you are!
I have also started to learn the game. Nice and easy does it when you find the right players with a similar attitude. Have fun. Don’t be afraid to say nice shot rather than making a daring run.
I hope you stick with it. It is a wonderful form of exercise, makes you think (keeping score is an exercise all on its own), and a great way to keep social.
Hi Charlene, I hope I stick with it too. I'm not at the level of scoring, yet, it makes me think just how to hit the ball back properly for now and yes I am beginning to see the social aspect of it, which was a plus I hadn't considered,
How wonderful you gave it a try! I love it... almost 80 here...agree about endurance. I went from 1-2 games to six back-to-back during league play. It’s an in-the-moment game, great fun and a great cardio, agility, brain workout! Thanks for telling readers how valuable pickleball or any exercise improves our health and outlook no matter when we start! Great read, Janice! 😊🏓🙌
Hi Joan, How cool. Do you play indoors or out? I live across the street from a tennis club, which has pickleball courts, but it's all outdoors. So even though I live in California, the weather is a factor at times.
Indoors courts at my senior center and some churches. I’m in Michigan so we need them! Play outside in summer…a different game almost with different balls and the wind…but I take my paddles when I head south where I’ve family. We stayed in Ventura Beach when grkids were little…miss SoCal!
It looks so fun! Kudos!! It looks so similar to tennis which I loved playing in my twenties but don’t remember playing since then. Thanks for inspiring me!
I don’t know how long it will last, and my point isn’t to encourage anyone to play pickleball - but it is to highlight the value of exercise if your goal is to age well.
I'm so glad you are having fun! That's a perk in itelf!
That it is, Heather!
It's fascinating that movement and focus relaxes us. ❤️ keep it up champ! ❤️
Good for you.
I am 82, also completely un-athletic, but try to swim once a week, as well as do my yoga once a week. You can see me stand on my head (two minute video) here:
https://arichardson.substack.com/p/why-does-anyone-stand-on-their-head
Hi Ann, That is terrific. Bravo to you!!!!
I am very uncoordinated at racquet sports, probably because I haven't done them very much. The first time I tried pickleball it was hilarious. I doubt there has been a worse beginner PB player, but at least I stayed on my feet even if I returned very few balls🤣 I think starting a new sport is difficult so I applaud you Janice!
Hi Donna, Fortunately my daughter is willing to put up with me. Starting any sport is pretty hysterical - my body doesn't know the meaning of the word. But we have fun with it - and I guess that's what is important.
Sounds fun. It would probably do me good too
Hi Cali, I find it fun and have experienced from possible good side benefits so far.
You go, girl!! Sounds like fun. And having a daughter all to yourself? A win-win situation, I'd say.
Hi Sharron, So true, about the daughter to myself. A plus in every regard and she has been/is for me every step along the way - an indescribable gift.
I can't NOT exercise. But I'm bored. I walk/jog, ride my bike, lift weights, sometimes jump on my rebounder (in the living room so can't use the excuse the weather is bad outside for doing nothing), and hike in the park across the street - where I know every twig, limb, exposed tree root, and patches of moss on and along the trail.
I loved ping pong, badminton, croquet, shuffleboard, golf, and swimming, while growing up.
Pickleball? There is a league in the gym for seniors. If you can do it, maybe I can't "try" it out, step out of the comfort zone... you mentioned the point wasn't to encourage anyone, but you did... I'll let you know how it turns out. If nothing else, stepping out of our comfort zones is a form of exercise too.
Hi Patti, Please do let me know how it goes. My son and his wife play regularly at the local church. I think there must be some kind of endorphin release when we exercise - I noticed it when we ran years ago and immediately the first time I played pickleball. For me, it's also about being outdoors.
My favorite feeling in the whole world (other than from the love of my husband) is staying in motion and getting the endorphin kick it gives me. It takes a lot to get me there—I have to get my heart rate up to actually experience it, running is out now, so swimming and biking are it.
A pickleball player gave a racquet to try out, so no excuses now! I hope it works out for me, I need something new, and social aspect sounds like a great side to learning a new sport, too!
My husband started playing a few months ago. As an ex tennis player he still gets a little too over zealous on the court. I’m going to have him read this to remind him to have fun. Happy you are!
Hi Paulette, That's our purpose - to have a fun way to exercise.
I have also started to learn the game. Nice and easy does it when you find the right players with a similar attitude. Have fun. Don’t be afraid to say nice shot rather than making a daring run.
Hi Jill, I am practicing that - daring runs are not for me.
Well done, I admire you for overcoming your resistance and giving it a try.
Thanks Jo. I have a lot of old beliefs that get in the way of trying new things.
I hope you stick with it. It is a wonderful form of exercise, makes you think (keeping score is an exercise all on its own), and a great way to keep social.
Hi Charlene, I hope I stick with it too. I'm not at the level of scoring, yet, it makes me think just how to hit the ball back properly for now and yes I am beginning to see the social aspect of it, which was a plus I hadn't considered,
Pickleball is fun! I wish I had somewhere close to play. I need to follow your lead and find something like that to do a couple times a week.
Hi Jennifer, I always feel good afterward . . . it takes some motivation to get going most times though.
That's wonderful Janice. Sounds like lots of fun.
Hi Robin, Thanks - it is fun.
How wonderful you gave it a try! I love it... almost 80 here...agree about endurance. I went from 1-2 games to six back-to-back during league play. It’s an in-the-moment game, great fun and a great cardio, agility, brain workout! Thanks for telling readers how valuable pickleball or any exercise improves our health and outlook no matter when we start! Great read, Janice! 😊🏓🙌
Hi Joan, How cool. Do you play indoors or out? I live across the street from a tennis club, which has pickleball courts, but it's all outdoors. So even though I live in California, the weather is a factor at times.
Indoors courts at my senior center and some churches. I’m in Michigan so we need them! Play outside in summer…a different game almost with different balls and the wind…but I take my paddles when I head south where I’ve family. We stayed in Ventura Beach when grkids were little…miss SoCal!
It looks so fun! Kudos!! It looks so similar to tennis which I loved playing in my twenties but don’t remember playing since then. Thanks for inspiring me!
Hi Karen, It's a lot like tennis, but easier in some respects - smaller court, lower net, less balls to chase. It is fun.