On average, pickleball burns 350–700 calories per hour, depending on body weight, game speed, and whether you play singles or doubles. Knowing how many calories pickleball burns helps players use the sport for fitness, weight loss, and overall health.
This guide explains calorie burn, factors that affect your body, and ways to maximize results.
Why Knowing Calorie Burn in Pickleball Matters
Calories are energy molecules that our body uses daily. When you burn more calories than you eat, you lose weight. Understanding how many calories pickleball burns helps players use this sport for fitness, weight loss, or general health improvement.
Average Calories Burned While Playing Pickleball
On average, pickleball burns between 350 and 700 calories per hour. The number depends on weight, level, and whether you play singles or doubles. Knowing how many calories pickleball burns provides a clear understanding of the sport’s fitness value.
Calories Burned in Singles vs Doubles
One of the most significant factors in how many calories pickleball burns is game type.
- Singles games: Approximately 500–700 calories per hour, due to increased running and covering the full court.
- Doubles games: Around 350–500 calories per hour since movement is shared with partners.
Calories Burned by Player Weight
- A 150-pound player may burn 400 calories in doubles.
- A 180-pound player may burn 500 calories in doubles.
- A 200-pound player may burn 600 calories in singles.
Calories Burned by Game Intensity
- Casual play: Lower heart rate, about 300–400 calories per hour.
- Moderate play: Balanced rallies, around 400–500 calories per hour.
- Competitive play: Fast games with longer rallies, 600–700 calories per hour.
Pickleball vs Other Sports: Calorie Comparison
Here’s how many calories pickleball burns compared to popular sports:
- Walking 3.5 mph: 250–300 calories/hour
- Tennis doubles: 400–500 calories/hour.
- Running 5 mph: 600–700 calories/hour.
- Pickleball doubles: 350–500 calories/hour.
- Pickleball singles: 500–700 calories/hour.
Other Health Benefits Beyond Calorie Burn
While people ask how many calories pickleball burns, the sport’s value goes beyond numbers. Benefits include:
- Better heart health
- Improved muscle strength
- Enhanced balance and coordination
- Stress relief through social interaction
- Lower injury risk than high-impact sports
How to Maximize Calorie Burn in Pickleball
When you want higher results from how many calories does pickleball burn, follow these steps:
- Play singles more often.
- Extend match time to 60 minutes or more.
- Focus on quick rallies and fast returns.
- Reduce rest time between games.
- Mix pickleball with cardio workouts weekly.
Calories Burned by Age and Gender
Age and gender also impact how many calories pickleball burns:
- Men usually burn more due to higher muscle mass.
- Women: Burn slightly fewer but still gain significant health benefits.
- Seniors: Burn fewer calories overall but enjoy safe, steady fitness.
Calories Burned in Recreational vs Competitive Games
Recreational play is lighter and burns around 300–450 calories per hour. Competitive games with fast rallies push calorie burn up to 700 per hour. Knowing how many calories pickleball burns in both settings helps you set goals.
How to Track Your Calorie Burn in Pickleball
To know how many calories pickleball burns, try fitness trackers like:
- Fitbit
- Apple Watch
- Garmin
These devices measure heart rate, activity level, and the number of calories burned. Logging results helps you monitor progress.
Real-Life Example of Calorie Burn
Let’s consider two players asking how many calories does pickleball burn:
- Sarah, 160 lbs, plays doubles for 1 hour. She burns about 420 calories.
- Mark, 190 lbs, plays singles for 1 hour. He burns around 640 calories.
Pickleball for Weight Loss Goals
In case you want to lose weight, knowing how many calories pickleball burns helps create a plan.
- 1 pound of fat = about 3,500 calories.
- Playing 4 times a week burns 1,600–2,800 calories.
- Combine with a healthy diet to lose 1–2 pounds monthly.
Calories Burned in Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball
The environment affects how many calories pickleball burns:
- Indoor courts: Controlled temperature, even burn.
- Outdoor courts: Wind and heat increase effort, boosting calorie burn slightly.
Why Pickleball is Perfect for All Fitness Levels
Many people ask how many calories pickleball burns, but another reason the sport is popular is accessibility. This book is suitable for kids, adults, and seniors. Exercise balances calorie burn with safety, making it easier to stick with than high-intensity workouts.
Conclusion:
How many calories does pickleball burn depends on factors like weight, intensity, and game type. Whether playing singles or doubles, pickleball provides an excellent way to burn calories, improve fitness, and enjoy a low-impact, fun workout for all ages.
FAQ’s
1. Is pickleball good for weight loss?
Yes, regular pickleball burns 350–700 calories per hour, making it effective for weight loss when paired with a proper diet.
2. Do seniors burn fewer calories in pickleball?
Yes, seniors burn slightly fewer calories, but the sport remains safe and effective for active aging.
3. Does playing pickleball build muscle?
Yes, it strengthens legs, arms, and core muscles through quick movements and rallies.
4. Can pickleball replace running for cardio?
Yes, for many people. Pickleball burns similar calories to moderate running with less joint stress.
5. Is pickleball more effective indoors or outdoors?
Both are effective, but outdoor games may burn slightly more calories due to weather challenges.
MUST READ: What Pickleball Paddle is Best for a Badminton Player | Find Out Now!
MUST READ: Austin Peay vs Georgia | A Complete Guide!
MUST READ: Armenia vs Portugal : Top Highlights, Stats & Winning Insights!
Join The Discussion