limited at best on the 20’ x 44’ layout, especially for those
playing doubles. Singles play provides a more thorough
workout. “It is a wonderful cardio exercise platform, as
most are in fairly constant movement during a game.
Excellent for hand/eye coordination, which becomes
more and more important as we age. It’s also very good
for active balance, which is also important as we age. But,
not only good for the older generation, good for young
players as well,” said Dr. Steve P. Schoettle, MD, of Heber
Springs, Arkansas.
“Since there is less court to cover in doubles, it can
be played with less chance of injury, but it is still a good
workout and can do a lot to help in weight loss and
general fitness of the athlete. You can play to your level
of competition and that’s the beauty of the sport,” added
Rosenthal.
While the benefits of continual physical activity have
been well-documented over the years, it is the brain and
its numerous functions that are receiving more in-depth
research and understanding.
“As important as pickleball’s ability to improve
one’s mental health, I have to also share with you the
impact on cognitive health,” said Elgin. “Dementia and
Alzheimer’s are increasing rapidly, particularly as the
percentage of older individuals in society increases.
The regular, physical and social activity that pickleball
provides can very possibly slow down and/or prevent
these deleterious diseases. Similar to the prevention
and optimization of one’s mental health, as long as
a player isn’t too ill and can run and play, pickleball
could conceivably be a great distraction from disabling
symptoms such as depression and anxiety, as well as give
the sufferer the added benefits to the brain.”
Added benefits from playing pickleball can manifest
themselves in many forms. Whether it’s the casual
recreational play at a local gym or outdoor facility, or
an upcoming tournament where those competing at
a higher level can satisfy that athletic outlet, regular
play on the courts is not only physically rewarding but
provides a mental boost as well.
Elgin added, “I do think people worry most about their
hearts and cancer. And they know that exercise, diet, not
smoking, watching one’s weight, etc. can help with these
diseases. But it’s not as clear if mental health problems
contribute to these and other physical illnesses. There is
research out there that indicates there is some level of
correlation/relationship if not outright cause. The mind/
body relationship is still mostly a mystery, but the good
news is that this is gradually changing.”
One whose mind and body relationship has been
dramatically transformed is Jim LaBrosse. A USAPA
Ambassador in Rhode Island, LaBrosse tipped the scales
34
TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM
around 250 pounds back in 2012, when he first started
playing pickleball. On a 5’11” frame, he was considered
obese. With high cholesterol and high blood pressure,
he realized he was on a fast track to chronic disease
or perhaps something even worse. Pickleball changed
all that.
Fast-forward just 10 months later at his annual
physical... “My doctor asked what I was doing that
improved all my vitals,” he recalled. “Besides weight
loss (I was down over 20 pounds), my cholesterol level
and blood pressure had decreased significantly. When I
explained I had discovered pickleball, and described the
sport, she was impressed, saying the activity involved in
pickleball was like doing reps for my heart. She said the
heart is a muscle, and by making short runs followed by
short rest I was constantly revving up my heart, and then
letting it rest before doing it again. The doctor said it was
great exercise for the heart.”
Working in sales, LaBrosse was on the road and staying
in various hotels on average three nights a week. Rather
than watching TV and snacking, he would use the USAPA
“Places to Play” app and find a local court where he
could play pickleballers of all skill levels. A 4.0 player,
he quickly adjusted his game to fit the competition,
realizing that his sedentary ways were now a thing of
the past.
“To this day I push myself to continue to play pickleball
to effectively burn calories. Even when I’m tired, and my
play has declined, I tell myself to keep playing in order
to burn some more calories. I estimate 15 minutes of
pickleball equals one glass of wine!” said the 59-year-
old, who made it all the way down to 190 pounds, and
currently is closer to 200.
LaBrosse, who currently runs the Rhody Pickleballers
Facebook Group with well over 600 members, is always
cultivating new relationships with people interested
in the sport. “I encourage everyone I meet to consider
playing pickleball. I tell them it will improve them
physically and mentally,” he said.
“Once, while playing at a YMCA in New Hampshire, I
was partnered with a player with fused disks in his back.
While his mobility was very limited, he was still able to
play and exercise. Another time I was playing with a
woman who told me a heartwarming story of how her
husband, who I knew, had become somewhat reclusive
over the years, and pickleball had been his salvation—
bringing him into a community of friendly, caring
people. I almost couldn’t believe it as I knew him to be
social and gregarious. She said pickleball had turned him
back into the man she married. Stories like hers is why I
love and promote pickleball.” •