How Many Days a Week Should You Play Pickleball?

When people start playing pickleball--America's fastest-growing sport--they usually become obsessed with it and want to play it all the time.

That's understandable, because pickleball is awesome!

This leads many to question, 'How much should I be playing pickleball? Is there a healthy level of pickleball playing? Am I playing too much?

This article will answer these questions and give you the insight and encouragement to make you feel confident about your pickleball schedule.

Let's dive in.

 

How Often Should I Play Pickleball?

 

According to The Department of Health and Human Services, healthy adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense cardio or vigorous aerobic exercise per week.

Remember, they said "at least."

The guidelines mapped out by the Department of Health and Human Services also suggest, that for amplified health benefits, healthy adults should strive for 300 minutes of exercise per week.

300 minutes is 5 hours of exercise per week.

Most pickleball enthusiasts typically spend at least an hour and a half on the court. Therefore, 300 minutes of exercise can safely be spread out over 3 days of playing pickleball.

Our recommendation to pickleball players is to shoot to play pickleball 3 times per week.

The benefit of playing 3 times per week is that you'll improve your pickleball skills and hit your exercise requirements without overworking your body.

Remember to rest.

Pickleball is awesome and a lot of fun, but if you injure yourself or make yourself sick by playing too much, then you won't be able to play pickleball!

Keep that in mind when choosing to schedule your pickleball time.

Am I Playing Pickleball Too Much?

 

The greatest thing about living in a free country is that you can decide for yourself if you want to play pickleball 3 times per week (as recommended) or 7 days per week.

It's really a matter of how much free time you're willing to invest, how much your body can handle, and your own choices of what brings you joy and entertainment.

If you're meeting all your obligations and your spouse isn't on the brink of divorcing you because you're always out playing pickleball, and your body can handle it, by all means, play pickleball as much as you want.

There's no hard and fast rule.

Just remember to stay within a permeameter of what you can handle and you should be fine to play as much pickleball as you want.

If your muscles are feeling worn out, stiff or painful, however, you may want to consider reducing the amount of time spent on the pickleball court, as overtraining is common among athletes of all ages and can easily lead to injury or health issues.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Pickleball is an enjoyable sport that many people of all ages play. It's the fastest-growing sport in America for a reason!

While it's easy to get excited and obsessed over the sport you love, it's important to be mindful of your limitations and not hurt yourself by playing too much.

3 days of pickleball per week allows healthy adults to fulfill their aerobic exercise obligations, improve their skill, get fresh air and sunlight (if they're playing outside), be social, connect with people and build friendships in the community.

All in all, pickleball is a great sport and should be enjoyed every week.

Have fun and remember to stay out of the kitchen!