My 76 year old cousin, John, inspires me! He was an avid pickleball player when was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. While he continued to play after his diagnosis, it became more difficult and more dangerous for him to continue.  While many people would resign to their recliners, my cousin and his dear wife, Pat, stepped it up and he tried his hand at boxing. There are many benefits to both pickleball and boxing in the Parkinson's world, you just need to find what is right for you.

There are many people living with Parkinson's Disease who have continued fighting through pickleball and other sports, like boxing. "Pickleball, Parkinson's, and Persistence: The Inspiring Journey of Scott Rider" is one of those stories!

The video below is about a Parkinson's group and how they are finding success in boxing! 

Bottom line? Motion is lotion ... keep your body moving!

I'll admit I am biased about whether or not to take beginner lessons. As a USPTA certified pickleball beginner instructor, I see the value after teaching 200+ people to play.

One student noted she had been learning from her friend who was 'really good.' I expected more from her than I got. Her serve was illegal, she never moved to the NVZ (non-volley zone aka the Kitchen), she didn't know what a dink was or why it was important to the game, and had no idea about scoring. She quickly realized the game she knew wasn't pickleball at all. After just one lesson she was well on her way to success.

It happens all the time and while I never want to discourage folks from trying to learn to play, I do encourage people to watch videos, learn the rules, and most importantly, learn to play safely.

Our StartUp beginner classes will have you playing games by the end of the first class ... the other five classes will fine tune physicality, positioning, scoring, and more! Many of our beginner graduates stay together to improve their playing before stepping into the pickleball world. That special bonding time encourages stepping out of your comfort zone with your new friends and is a great way to become a better player.

Not sure if you're ready? Text or call me and we'll have a chat. If you're still unsure, go ahead and register then come to your first class - no pressure ... if you don't feel it's right for you there is no pressure from anyone to continue. We will teach you to play YOUR game safely and correctly. We have taught students as old as 90 (91 on June 1). C'mon, give it a try!

I found myself at StatMed recently (for something unrelated to pickleball). Imagine my surprise when I was told by a staff member that they had seen numerous pickleball injures - everything from pulled muscles, stitches, and more!

When you don't warm up you are setting yourself up for an injury.

Picture this ... You plan to play at a particular time and you arrive at the courts. You remembered your water, your visor, your safety glasses, and most importantly, your paddle. The anticipation of getting started is overwhelming. The noise of the balls being hit by a paddle, the familiar sound of your playmates laughing, calling you over to play. Would you do it?

I know what I'd do ... I'd grab my paddle and hit the courts! Yep, wrong answer! It is so critical to get your muscles warmed up before you hit the courts. Often you'll have an opportunity to dink for a few minutes, but the urge to get that first point takes over and there you are - on the courts playing. 

We all have five minutes, right? Do the right thing and get your body warmed up before you play. Your body will thank you!

The first video says 'for seniors' but it works for everyone and a great place to start!