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| LIFE IN SOLERA | JANUARY 2022 | 37 The hardest thing about exercise is doing it regularly. There are thousands of excuses for not exercising and we all use one or more too often. One of the reasons often given not to exercise is it isn't fun (think swimming laps, jogging around a track or on a treadmill.) Here's something fun to consider – pickleball. First, pickleball has an odd name. It is derived from the sport of rowing where the slowest craft is the "pickle boat." The sport was invented outside Seattle in 1965 and has grown steadily since that time to become an international sport with thousands of regular players. Another asset the sport has is that the court is about half the size of a tennis court and this means it is easier to keep the ball in play. The fact that the ball stays in play longer by definition means that you will get a good bit of exercise in each of the 11-point games. The smaller court also means less running and less wear and tear on knees, hips, ankles – our joints. For people who have problems with these joints, but still want a racket sport to be active, then pickleball is a very good choice. The relatively unique feature of pickleball is that you do not have to be the world's most gifted athlete to play and enjoy it. Unlike tennis, for example, pickleball can be learned and played at a reasonable level quickly by almost anyone. You will see people of all ages, and all athletic ability out on the courts having fun playing. Playing pickleball and other racket sports helps with hand-eye coordination. This is something that as we age is important, since it is required for many daily activities like eating or driving. These exercises also help with balance which is under threat with age, but essential to maintain to help avoid falls. The caloric burn of pickleball for those who are trying to lose weight with exercise is somewhere between badminton and tennis. Racket sports boost the cardiovascular system which helps prevent many of the unwanted problems of older age like hypertension, stroke and heart attack. Pickleball gives you a good aerobic workout without as much stress and strain on joints and muscles, as mentioned above. The endorphins and other bioamines that are released with all exercise are useful in elevating self-esteem and combating depression – both problems that can come with older age. This piece was taken from an article from the Medical University of South Carolina. For more information, feel free to contact either Sue Miller at (503) 702-4273 or Sandy Stearn at (951) 797-0991. PICKLEBALL PADDLERS

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