[Updated on 1 August 2022] Squash may not be the first thing you think about when considering new ways to get in shape, and it might not be something you have ever tried. Surprisingly, the health benefits of squash are something to consider if you have never played the game before.
Squash provides a great cardio workout and helps relieve stress.
A game of squash moves faster than you think. The ball travels faster than a tennis ball and players are required to move at a pace to stand a chance of being in the right place. Your opponent’s job is to make your work, running around the court, and jumping if the ball has gone high. All of these things are going to raise your heart rate which assists with your cardiovascular health.
When you are absorbed in playing the game, you will need to have a high level of concentration. This means that you will have to leave your stress in the locker room as you cannot worry about things while you are playing. When you are intensely using the body, you are also releasing endorphins that relieve stress and intensify happiness.
Squash is an intensive aerobic exercise.
Playing squash regularly will add to your overall strength and flexibility. Your bodyweight acts as resistance, and you will be moving your arms and legs in new ways. This means that muscles get stretched and worked. The first few times you play, you will find that you are sore and stiff the next day, but after a while, you will be more flexible. Because you are regularly reaching for the ball your back will also be stronger and your posture better.
Weight Control
All that running around and getting to the ball is also a great way to control your weight. Burning calories and working up a sweat will add to weight loss, provided, you are also following a sensible diet. The more you play squash, you will weigh less and will be evident as you find it easier to get to the ball and make the tough shots.
Common Questions for the Health Conscious Squash Player
Is playing squash bad for your heart?
Squash is great for your heart because it helps to stop blood vessels from becoming clogged and strengthens the heart muscles to significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Playing squash for 3 hours per week minimizes the risk of heart complications.
Why is squash the healthiest sport?
Squash combines cardio, aerobic and interval training all into one. The fast and constant movement can make squash a very reliable cardiovascular activity. An energetic game of squash leads to diving and leaping for the ball and lots of running back and forth across the court. A benefit of this is the ability to increase strength and fitness and maintain a healthy weight.
Is squash good exercise?
A hard practice session or game of squash with a partner has the ability to deliver a full body workout. An obvious place to benefit is the legs, which are involved in the repeated short sprints back and forth across the court and relies on the fast-twitch muscles to be working at a high level.
Squash Health Wrap-Up
So if you have never tried squash, why not give it a go. There are courts at most gyms and you can usually borrow the racquets needed. All you will need is loose-fitting clothing and non-marking shoes so that you can move quickly, like these. To avoid injury be sure to warm up with some stretches before you start and again at the end as your muscles cool down.
In as little as 45 minutes, squash is the hardest cardio and aerobic workout you can get. If you weren’t in top physical shape before playing the game, you surely will be as you continue to play and get better.