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

04-09-24

Stacie Townsend

The People Have Spoken!

1 min read

02-26-20

Stacie Townsend

The History of Pickleball

Pickleball was created by Joel Pritchard (former United States congressman), Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in the summer...

4 min read

05-30-22

Stacie Townsend

Why Pickleball Players Should Get to the Kitchen Line Quickly

The general rule of thumb on the pickleball courts is to work your way to the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen line as soon as...

5 min read