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Which Is Better - Pickleball v. Walking

by Stacie Townsend 5 Comments

Which Is Better - Pickleball v. Walking | Pickler Pickleball

A pilot study analyzed the differences between 30 minutes of pickleball doubles and 30 minutes of walking at a self-selected pace (Smith, M et al. 2016, "A Comparison of Pickleball and Walking: A Pilot Study", Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 48, no. 5S, pp. 93-94). The pilot study compared the following factors to determine which is better - pickleball or walking:

  • Average heart rate
  • Peak heart rate
  • Total steps taken
  • Total calories expended
  • Overall perceived level of exertion
  • Overall enjoyment level

So, did pickleball or walking do better in connection with each factor?

  • Average heart rate - Pickleball caused a higher average heart rate than walking.
  • Peak heart rate - Pickleball caused a higher peak heart rate than walking.
  • Total steps taken - Walking caused more steps to be taken than walking.
  • Total calories expended - Pickleball caused more calories to be expended than walking.
  • Overall perceived level of exertion - Pickleball caused greater perceived exertion than walking.
  • Overall enjoyment level - Pickleball caused greater enjoyment than walking.

In conclusion, pickleball exceeded walking with respect to each factor, other than the total steps taken. As a result, pickleball is better than walking!

Would you rather walk or play pickleball?! Share with us in the comments below!



Stacie Townsend
Stacie Townsend

Author


5 Responses

William
William

April 25, 2020

Playing pickleball hands down ! I love the competition’ socializing’ & just a lot more fun .

Jack
Jack

April 19, 2020

hmm, walking caused more steps to be taken than walking

Jack
Jack

April 19, 2020

hmm, caused more steps to be taken than walking :)

Linda brown
Linda brown

April 15, 2020

I walk but pickleball is way more better. gets the heart going and extremely cardio. plus the comradety with fellow players with the game we love

Earl Stitt
Earl Stitt

April 14, 2020

Member of Southern Nevada Pickleball Club in Las Vegas Nevada. Also working on Pickleball for Veterans with the VA and City of Las Vegas. Free clinics for Veterans…..
702-278-5103

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