Pickleball is a fun sport. It is easy to learn. Many people play it for exercise. But how many calories do you burn playing pickleball? This article will explain it in a simple way.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. You play it with a paddle and a plastic ball. The court is smaller than tennis. You can play singles or doubles. It is popular with all ages.
Why Do People Play Pickleball?
- It is fun and social.
- It helps keep you healthy.
- It is low-impact, so easy on joints.
- You can play indoors or outdoors.

Credit: www.pickleheads.com
Calories and Weight Loss
Calories are energy from food. Your body uses calories to move and live. When you burn more calories than you eat, you lose weight. Exercise helps burn calories. So, how many calories does pickleball burn?
Calories Burned Playing Pickleball
The number of calories you burn depends on some things:
- Your weight
- How hard you play
- How long you play
On average, here is how many calories you can burn playing pickleball:
| Weight (lbs) | Calories Burned Per Hour |
|---|---|
| 125 | 400 |
| 155 | 500 |
| 185 | 600 |
These numbers show moderate play. If you play hard, you burn more calories. If you play slowly, you burn fewer calories.
How Does Pickleball Help You Lose Weight?
Pickleball helps weight loss in many ways. Here are some important points:
- Calorie Burn: Moving, running, and swinging your paddle burns calories.
- Cardio and Metabolism: Quick moves like sprints and lunges raise your heart rate. This boosts heart health and metabolism.
- Muscle Engagement: Legs, arms, and core muscles work while you play. This builds strength and helps burn fat long-term.
- Low Impact: Pickleball is easier on joints than running or tennis. More people can play safely for a long time.
- Stress Reduction: Playing with friends is fun and social. This lowers stress hormones that cause fat storage.
What Does Science Say About Pickleball and Weight Loss?
Many health experts agree pickleball is good exercise. It burns calories and improves heart health. Studies show it can help you manage weight.
Pickleball is like other aerobic workouts. It helps you burn fat and build muscle. Plus, it is easy to keep playing over time.
How to Burn More Calories Playing Pickleball
If you want to burn more calories, try these tips:
- Play with More Effort: Move faster and hit harder.
- Play Longer: Increase your playing time.
- Play Competitively: Try to win and stay active.
- Mix Exercises: Add strength training or walking on off days.
- Eat Healthy: Good food helps your body burn fat better.
Exercise alone is not enough. Healthy eating and good sleep are important too.
Other Health Benefits of Pickleball
Besides calorie burn, pickleball gives many health benefits:
- Heart Health: Raises heart rate, making your heart stronger.
- Muscle Strength: Uses legs, arms, and core muscles.
- Balance and Coordination: Quick moves improve your balance and hand-eye coordination.
- Joint Health: Low-impact movement protects joints and bones.
- Mental Health: Playing with friends reduces stress and anxiety.
Who Can Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is good for almost everyone. Kids, adults, and seniors can enjoy it. The low-impact nature makes it safe for many people. It is a great way to get moving.
How to Start Playing Pickleball
Starting is easy. You need a paddle, ball, and court. Many parks and gyms have courts. You can find beginner groups to learn with. Practice simple skills like serving and volleying.
Pickleball is fun and social. It is good exercise too.

Credit: pickleland.com
Summary
Playing pickleball burns calories. On average, 400 to 600 calories per hour. It depends on weight and effort. Pickleball boosts heart health and muscle strength. It is low-impact and good for joints. The sport helps reduce stress and improve mood. To burn more calories, play harder and longer. Combine pickleball with healthy eating for best results.
Pickleball is a great way to stay active and enjoy yourself. It helps you lose weight and feel better. So, why not give it a try?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pickleball Good For Weight Loss?
Pickleball effectively supports weight loss by burning calories and boosting metabolism. It engages multiple muscles while being low-impact and fun. Playing intensely increases calorie burn, and combining it with a balanced diet maximizes results. Regular play also improves heart health and reduces stress, aiding fat loss.
Does Pickleball Count As A Workout?
Yes, pickleball counts as a workout. It boosts heart health, burns calories, strengthens muscles, and improves balance with low joint impact.
Which Burns More Calories, Pickleball Or Walking?
Pickleball burns more calories than walking due to its higher intensity and full-body engagement. It boosts heart rate and metabolism effectively.
How Many Steps Are In 1 Hour Of Pickleball?
Playing pickleball for 1 hour typically involves 6,000 to 8,000 steps. Step count varies by intensity and player movement.


