Is pickleball a longevity sport?

From embarrassing "mom sport" to the smartest health move you'll make this year.

My pickleball confession (or, how I learned to stop worrying and love the kitchen)

I'll admit it. When I first started playing pickleball, I felt a little embarrassed. It was like buying a minivan when my kids were little. I knew it was awesome and made my life infinitely better, but it had gotten such a bad rap. "Mom sport," people called it. "Tennis for people who can't run."

But here's the thing: I used to dominate ping pong (1996 Yellowstone National Park Grant Village champion, thank you very much!), and the quick-hands volleying that happens when everyone crowds the kitchen? Pure magic.

Now, why is a supplement company randomly talking about pickleball? Fair question! But as someone who formulates longevity supplements AND happens to enjoy this sport, I've realized something important: pickleball isn't just a game - it's a perfect storm of everything we know supports healthy aging. And for women in their prime earning and caregiving years, it addresses our unique health challenges in ways other sports simply don't.

The numbers that will blow your mind

Pickleball has exploded from 2.8 million players in 2019 to nearly 50 million adult Americans playing at least once in the past year - that's 19% of the entire adult population! With approximately 20 million women now participating, it has become one of the most popular activities among women aged 25-65.

The fastest-growing demographic? Women aged 35-44 have increased their participation by 86% in the last year alone. Turns out, women juggling careers, families, and their own health are discovering that pickleball fits into real life better than any other sport.

Why busy women’s bodies love pickleball

Efficiency without injury

You don't have time for sports that sideline you with injuries or require hours of your day. Pickleball delivers serious cardiovascular benefits (70% of playing time in moderate to vigorous heart rate zones) in manageable time chunks, with lower injury rates than tennis or running.

Strength training in disguise

Pickleball works your entire body - hamstrings, glutes, core, arms - while feeling like play, not punishment. It's functional fitness that actually fits your schedule.

Bone health for your future self

Your bone density peaks around 30, then starts declining. Weight-bearing exercise like pickleball stimulates bone formation now, setting you up for strength in your 60s, 70s, and beyond. Think of it as an investment in your future independence.

Stress relief that actually works

The combination of physical activity, social connection, and being fully present in the moment (you can't think about your to-do list when a ball is flying at you) provides genuine stress relief. Studies show that pickleball reduces cortisol levels and improves mood more effectively than solo exercise.

Social connection without the drama

Adult friendships are hard. Pickleball creates natural opportunities for connection without the pressure of dinner parties or book clubs. Remember: social connection and a sense of belonging are stronger predictors of long-term health than almost any other biomarker!

The longevity benefits that matter

Cardiovascular health. Burns 480-660 calories per hour while improving heart health and endurance - more efficient than most gym workouts.

Brain health. The rapid decision-making, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking involved in pickleball provide cognitive benefits that help maintain mental sharpness.

Balance and coordination. Critical for preventing falls and maintaining independence as you age. The quick direction changes and reactive movements train your balance system.

Metabolic health. Regular play helps regulate blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and maintains a healthy weight, which is crucial for preventing age-related diseases.

How HOP Box powers your pickleball performance

Your HOP Box ingredients support the demands of pickleball and an on-the-go lifestyle.

• Energy. NR and Ca-AKG fuel cellular energy for sustained performance.
• Recovery. Magnesium supports muscle recovery between matches and better sleep.
• Joint health. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin D3/K2 support joint lubrication and bone health.
• Inflammation control. CurcuPrime® and astaxanthin help manage exercise-induced inflammation.
• Metabolic support. Dihydroberberine helps maintain steady energy and healthy glucose metabolism.

The bottom line: your future self will thank you

Research shows that adding just 10 more minutes of daily exercise could prevent 110,000 deaths each year. For women, pickleball offers something rare: a sustainable, efficient, enjoyable way to invest in your long-term health without sacrificing your current responsibilities.

Whether you're trying to stay competitive in your career, keep up with your kids, or simply feel strong and capable as you age, pickleball delivers. It's the rare activity that gets better as you get older, builds genuine friendships, and makes you excited to exercise.

Ready to hop into the phenomenon? Your body (and your stressed-out, time-crunched, future self) will thank you for it.  

Now, HOP to it!