Skip to content
2 min read

Which Is Better – Pickleball v. Walking

News Stacie Townsend 04-14-2020

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!

READ SIMILAR STORIES

View All

11-19-19

Stacie Townsend

Did You Know? – 2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships Edition

Did you know that the 2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships were...?

2 min read

03-28-20

Stacie Townsend

My Pickleball Tournament Was Cancelled. Now What?

Were you supposed to play in a pickleball tournament in the coming weeks? If so, your pickleball tournament was likely cancelled,...

3 min read

08-21-23

Stacie Townsend

This Pickleball Rally Proves Why You Should Never Give Up on the Court

Check out this pickleball rally, where pickleball pro Allyce Jones flips over the perimeter barrier and then proceeds to...

3 min read