Playing a pickleball game is fun and at the same time, you can lose a lot of calories without having to give up on the good food. If you want to know how many calories you can burn playing this sport, then it depends on the intensity of the game you play. With this game increasing its popularity many are worried if they are giving up on their regular workouts for this fun activity.
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How Many Calories Do You Burn Playing Pickleball?
There is a study conducted by the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and exercise metabolism on 10 female and 10 male players. They were given heart rate monitors along with sensors to be worn while playing this sport. It was found that men were able to burn around 477 calories playing for an hour whereas women were able to burn 348 calories. It clearly states that men burnt 8 calories every minute while women burnt 6 calories.
Based on the reports of USA pickleball, it is clear that the individual with 150 pounds was able to lose 250 calories just by playing this game for half an hour causally. The person with 200 pounds was able to lose 330 calories. Playing this game aggressively would result in the loss of 360 calories just by playing for 60 minutes if the person weighs 150 pounds whereas the person with 200 pounds was able to burn 475 calories.
Various factors have an impact on burning calories while playing pickleball game
It is frustrating for people to measure the number of calories they have burnt while are focused on doing some physical activity from time to time. There are a few factors that would decide the calories you burn and this also depends on the individual and varies from person to person.
Weight
It is the most important and deciding factor on how many calories you can burn playing pickleball intensively. Undeniably, increasing physical activity will help you lose weight. If the person weighs more, then he or she has to put in a lot of energy to do the physical activity.
Intensity
The pickleball game is played at both low and high-intensity levels, i.e., by casual and aggressive players. When playing this game at a low-intensity level, you can burn around 8 calories per minute whereas playing at a high intensity, you can burn around 10 calories.
Body composition
This plays a crucial role in burning several calories. In case two individuals with the same weight play this game, the body composition is what decides the calories burnt. Few people may have high-fat content and less muscle weight. In this case, the person with muscles would need to put a lot of energy into the individual having fat.
Single and double
Pickleball can be played between two players or doubles. Though the court rules and the game is the same, playing a single game would make the play run around the court to hit every stroke.
There is an exercise-specific value known as the MET value that would decide the intensity of the game. Using this formula, you can measure the calories you can burn every minute.
- METs*3.5*(weight of the body in kg)/200
FAQs
Q1: How many calories can I burn playing pickleball?
A1: On average, a person weighing around 155 pounds (70.3 kg) can burn approximately 350-450 calories per hour playing pickleball. Actual calorie burn varies based on factors like weight, intensity, duration, and fitness level.
Q2: Does weight affect calorie burn in pickleball?
A2: Yes, weight plays a role. Heavier individuals burn more calories due to the increased energy required to move a larger body mass.
Q3: Does the intensity of play matter?
A3: Absolutely. Higher-intensity play with more running, quick movements, and competitive play leads to increased calorie burn.
Q4: How does playing style impact calorie expenditure?
A4: Singles pickleball (one-on-one) generally burns more calories than doubles (two-on-two) due to increased movement.
Q5: Can I use fitness trackers to measure calories burned?
A5: Yes, fitness trackers and heart rate monitors can provide a more accurate estimate of calorie expenditure by considering personal metrics like heart rate.
Q6: Is pickleball a good workout option?
A6: Yes, pickleball offers a great cardiovascular workout while being enjoyable. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it suitable for various fitness levels.
Q7: Can longer games lead to more calorie burning?
A7: Yes, the duration of play directly affects calorie burn. Longer games or extended play sessions result in higher calorie expenditure.
Q8: Is pickleball suitable for all fitness levels?
A8: Yes, pickleball can be adapted to different fitness levels. Beginners can start at a slower pace and gradually increase intensity as their fitness improves.
Q9: How does fitness level influence calorie burn?
A9: Those with higher fitness levels can often sustain more intense play for longer durations, leading to increased calorie burning.
Q10: Are there health benefits beyond calorie burn in pickleball?
A10: Yes, pickleball offers a range of benefits including improved coordination, balance, agility, and social interaction, making it a holistic fitness activity.