Did You Know? Pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout, says Anytime Fitness. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports the popularity of pickleball has grown by 223.5 percent over the last three years, with participation increasing across all age groups. The average age of a pickleball player is now 35. Pickleball attracts players for a number of reasons. In addition to promoting socialization and serving as a generally entertaining activity, pickleball offers a number of health benefits. Anytime Fitness says that pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout. It is estimated that a pickleball game can burn up to 600 calories per hour. Pickleball also helps to improve lung function and can strengthen the heart. A 201 8 study published in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found playing pickleball may lower the risk of heart disease by positively modifying risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Since pickleball is a fast-paced game, it may help improve cognitive function and memory recall due to the quick thinking the game requires. Also, because pickleball is played on a smaller court than a regulation tennis court, it can be easier on players' joints since it doesn’t require covering as much ground. Did You Know? Pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout, says Anytime Fitness. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports the popularity of pickleball has grown by 223.5 percent over the last three years, with participation increasing across all age groups. The average age of a pickleball player is now 35. Pickleball attracts players for a number of reasons. In addition to promoting socialization and serving as a generally entertaining activity, pickleball offers a number of health benefits. Anytime Fitness says that pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout. It is estimated that a pickleball game can burn up to 600 calories per hour. Pickleball also helps to improve lung function and can strengthen the heart. A 201 8 study published in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found playing pickleball may lower the risk of heart disease by positively modifying risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Since pickleball is a fast-paced game, it may help improve cognitive function and memory recall due to the quick thinking the game requires. Also, because pickleball is played on a smaller court than a regulation tennis court, it can be easier on players' joints since it doesn’t require covering as much ground.
Medford’s Tori Nicks reacts after winning the 100-yard freestyle in Thursday’s win over Marshfield at the MASH pool. Nicks and Kodi Rappe had the top two finishes in this race. TERRY WERNER/MASH YEARBOOK
Gilman running back Trevin Duellman waits for Taydyne Angell to get his block and then bursts upfield for a 48yard gain during the second quarter of Fridays’ 50-0 win over Athens. MANDEE ELLIS/THE STAR NEWS
Medford’s Cash Thums and Austin Czarnezki team up to tackle Onalaska receiver Cooper Hegge while Jacob Doyle rushes in to help. Hegge’s gained 6 yards on this catch to convert a late fourth-and-five for the Hilltoppers, who won 20-0. MATT FREY/THE STAR NEWS
