Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Why the popularity? The game is easy to
learn, good for any age or skill level and is a fun aerobic workout. The sport blends tennis, badminton
and ping-pong. Two or four players use paddles to hit a light plastic ball over a net.
It comes with health benefits too. Racket sports can boost the cardiovascular system and help prevent
unwanted conditions like hypertension, heart attack and stroke. Playing pickleball can also offer a
workout with less strain on joints and muscles than other high-impact sports.
Teresa Getman began playing pickleball eight years ago. It quickly became a new hobby.
“I love playing pickleball; it is something I can do every day,” said Teresa. “We have had three generations
in my family, ranging from 3 to 58 years old, all playing pickleball together.”
Teresa meets with friends to play on the indoor pickleball court at the Senior Services of Van Buren
County in South Haven.
“I love having a designated indoor space,” she added. “We
know the weather can really dampen plans in Michigan, so it
is nice that rain or shine, we can play pickleball.”
The smaller-sized court requires less running and less wear
and tear on knees, hips, ankles, back and joints. Pickleball is an
excellent choice for people who want lower impact exercise
but still want to be active.
“I am back playing again after an injury, and it was a great
way to ease back into feeling good again,” said Teresa. “I am
not a gym person, but if you ask me to play pickleball, I am in.”
Three new pickleball
ball courts at the
Senior Services of
Van Buren County
were made possible
by a $50,000 donation
from the Community
Wellness Endowment.
Corewell Health
Foundation —
Southwest Michigan
manages the fund
which supports
programs that help
improve the health
of our neighbors in
Berrien, Cass and
Van Buren counties.