For Women Who Play Pickleball
Do you play pickleball? Thinking about starting? Some people joke that it’s just a game for old people, but according to statistics, more than two thirds of keen pickleball players are between the ages of 18 and 44. Also, among pickleball players there are more men than women but the growth in the number of women players is higher annually.
For women, and especially for seniors, there are health benefits from the game. For example, playing pickleball can improve agility and balance. The demands of the game don’t strain the body excessively so it’s not usually damaging. Faster reflexes and better hand-eye coordination can develop. There are players who have a history of playing tennis but prefer pickleball because it puts less strain on the hips, shoulders, knees, and other joints. Racket sports boost the cardiovascular system which helps prevent many of the diseases of older age like hypertension, stroke and heart attack.
Some players describe pickleball as a combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. But it really has its own integrity as a sport and is played throughout the world in countries rich and poor, large and small, from China to Guam. Played properly, it accelerates heart rate, burns calories, improves endurance and conditions a healthy use of legs, arms, and core to hit the ball. And it’s fun—just ask the “picklers.”
While there has been no research directly studying the ability of the Transcendental Meditation technique to improve pickleball performance, some of the mental and physical benefits of TM will strengthen your game. Here’s how:
- Improved focus and concentration: TM creates a state of relaxed awareness, which can enhance your ability to focus on the game and anticipate your opponent’s moves.
- TM reduces stress and anxiety, which is beneficial in competitive situations like pickleball games.
- Faster reaction time: Published research shows that regular practice of the TM technique improves reaction time.
- Improved mind/body coordination, so, see the ball, hit the ball.
Some comments from lady picklers who practice the TM technique:
“TM gives me an ability to respond quickly and sharply—it’s important because pickleball is a very fast sport.”
“I can better intuit my opponent’s next move because my mind is quieter.”
“TM improved my cardiovascular health so I have more stamina.”
“With TM in my routine, I recover quickly from any fatigue from the game.”
“I’ve noticed more patience on the court and flexibility in my attitude.”
“I experience more joy from the game, no matter the end result of winning or losing.”
One of the best features of pickleball is that it allows women in their more senior years to engage in athletics because of its low-impact nature, adaptability, and focus on enjoyment rather than skill level. It’s great that women of all ages can participate in this sport and enjoy the camaraderie of the game.
Whether you’ve already learned Transcendental Meditation for its broad range of benefits to mental, physical and emotional health, or whether you learn it now, you’ll find that incorporating the Transcendental Meditation technique into your daily routine can make you a better and happier pickler.
STRENGTHEN YOUR ATHLETIC CAPABILITY. CONTACT A TM TEACHER
About the Author
Janet Hoffman is the executive director of TM for Women Professionals, a division of TM for Women in the USA
