Pickleball - Fun Fact Friday

Fitness is about doing the fun things in life that you want to do, especially in terms of enjoying hobbies and sports. The amazing surge in pickleball is keeping our clients more active and healthier than ever, but has also led to some injuries as well as questions about how to prepare and get the most out of this fun sport.

So let’s review some warm up tips, some great strength and mobility exercises that pair well with action on the court, and how to approach being ready to play and win.

Warm up, think of how you loosen up for a great workout in the studio. Use some hip swings and rotations, some easy bodyweight, walking lunges for mobility and balance, as well as some shoulder openers.

Rotation and anti-rotation core work. Having good hip mobility will help you generate power in rotation, and exercises like planks and the Palloff press will give you stabilizing power through the paddle swing.

Footwork such as step-ups, lunges, ladder drills. There is a benefit to fast and precise footwork - these types of drills will help with that.

Squat, adults always want to build and develop leg strength as it helps with balance, power and functional living. If you have knee issues, it is highly likely that better mobility, strength and addressing muscle imbalances will lessen or alleviate that pain. Our clients have great success with this. Strong legs lead to a strong life and better athleticism.

Lateral lunges can be done with support from a TRX, or with body weight or loaded with dumbbells. Too many exercise programs do not include lateral movement and rotation. The trainers at Fitness Together do it because better movement is always important.

Shoulder openers will make you feel good, improve your posture, and power all your shots. Think of controlled shoulder rotations, wall scratchers, thread the needle stretch done on hands and knees, as well as the stretch called open the book. Again, ask your trainer or just email and we can send you a demo video.

Cool down with simple static old school stretches and some walking is all you need - just don’t sit down for the beer too fast.

Following these tips will help you play better, prevent common injuries and ideally win!