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

03-06-23

Stacie Townsend

2 Critical Ways Balance Affects Your Pickleball Game

There are two critical kinds of balance in doubles pickleball. And, both are equally important to your success on the court. Learn...

7 min read

04-18-22

Stacie Townsend

Pickleball Meets NASCAR

Pickleball has infiltrated NASCAR, as the Toyota Supra driven by Ryan Truex was emblazoned with a giant “Shop USAPickleball.com”...

5 min read

04-20-18

Stacie Townsend

Pickle Your Opponent: 5 Things to Know Before the US Open (or Any Other Pickleball Tournament)

Tournaments are becoming increasingly popular among pickleball players. One of the biggest pickleball tournaments of the...

3 min read