Pickleball helps weight loss, make you happy

All four courts were full of regular players Thursday afternoon (about 19 people)with a few people waiting to play, Richard, Al, Tom, Gord, Henry, Ganbat, Joan, Catherine, Henrietta, Michelle, Joyce, Bill, Grant, Dave, Mike and me. Grant and I played with Louise and her son Jacob (about 12 years old) who played very well because he played a lot of pickleball in Arizona with his grandparents during Spring break.

Some players were concerned about not enough courts when the snowbirds come back, but Grant said that four more courts can be open in mid-April, so they don't have to worry about too many people waiting to play.

Like Pat, Annette told me she has also lost 20 lbs. after three months playing pickleball (burning calories) and Dr. Oz diet plan which cuts out deep fried foods, more fruit and vegetables, six smaller meals instead of three big meals per day. It has made her feel so much better, no wonder she looks so terrific and played so well.
http://www.observer-online.com/articles/2009/12/05/news/doc4b19af368342f292387055.txt This article about Pickleballer Risa Caldwell has dropped 22 pounds, much of that weight loss due to playing pickleball, some due to better nutrition. In addition to losing weight, pickleball has helped Risa combat lonliness by meeting new friends and a lot of fun to get in shape.

Exercise Increases Serotonin Levels - Serotonin is the hormone that sends signals to your brain. The good news is that by increasing your serotonin levels you can reduce cravings, control your appetite and lose weight. A serotonin imbalance causes mood-related problems and is often the reason we crave carbs and have an uncontrollable appetite. Serotonin is a brain chemical that suppresses your appetite and makes you happy (it is your body's natural Prozac). A lack of serotonin is linked with depression in people and cause people in bad mood. So playing pickleball will also help to make you happy.

Ten people showed up Thursday night. Grant, Mike and me had a lot of fun playing with Terry and four younger players Matt, another Mike, Nathan and Nomi (I love to chat with Nomi). These younger players are excellent strong players.