Pickleball keeps seniors in shape
By Emily Baucum, News 4 ReporterFacebook: Emily Baucum TVTwitter: @EmilyBaucumSAN ANTONIO Are you ready for some pickleball? Its a sport thats found a following in San Antonio as baby boomers work to stay active as they age.The name serves up plenty of funny looks.People always ask, 'What is pickleball?' player Ed Beyster says.It has nothing to do with pickles, the food.Three words: fun, fitness and friendship, player Sandra Carrillo says.She discovered pickleball a few years ago. Now, its her favorite way to work up a sweat.It appealed to me immediately, Carrillo says. I was looking for something to do after I retired from teaching.The game can be played indoors or outdoors, on a court the size of a badminton court.It's basically a small tennis court or ping pong table that's on steroids, Beyster says.Hes the president of the San Antonio Pickleball club.I was a tennis pro for 39 years, Beyster says while demonstrating his wiffle ball-handling skills.Like a lot of seniors, he traded out a tennis racquet for a wood paddle.It's about 8.5 ounces so it's not very heavy, Beyster says about the paddle.The players say pickleball keeps you active without the same wear-and-tear on your joints as other sports.Anybody that has had problems with their knees, outdoor tennis playing might be too much, Carrillo says. This is a great sport for all levels.With more people taking a whack at pickleball the hobby's becoming a real competition. A lot of the local players just got back from competing at the National Senior Games.There were 375 participants in pickleball from all over the country, Beyster says.Carrillo says as she ages, playing pickleball might keep her out of a pickle.The more you move now, the more you move later, she says, hoping a round of pickleball a day keeps the doctor away.The San Antonio Pickleball club meets several times a week all around town. Depending on the venue, its either free or just $2. Players say thats significantly cheaper than a gym membership.Click here to visit the clubs Facebook page. Click here to view the clubs playing calendar.When News 4 caught up with the club, the players were practicing at Morgans Wonderland where families no longer need a reservation to enjoy the park.
