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Former professional tennis star John McEnroe would have some adjustments to make if he showed up at the Valley HUB to play a game called Pickleball with local seniors.
To begin with, the former Wimbledon champ would need to understand that disputes over line calls are settled with a smile and a handshake, not precocious ranting. The onetime Davis Cup standout would also have to put aside his titanium racket and work on transitions involving a smaller court and equipment that resembles a blend of racquetball, ping-pong and Wiffleball gear.
There’s also not any prize money on this circuit – but as with all others who show up to play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 3 p.m., Mr. McEnroe would be asked to pay a $1 participation fee.
Twice a week, Hugh and Elizabeth Lewis venture to the Valley HUB to participate in a Pickleball open gym sponsored by the Spokane Valley Senior Center. The program is one of many activities for local seniors looking to stay fit.
The idea for Pickleball originated in Washington back in 1965 when a few residents of Bainbridge Island combined several characteristics of established racket sports on a playing surface about half the size of a tennis court. Today, the game is played worldwide in competitive arenas as well as recreational settings like the Valley HUB.
When the first Pickleball league was launched in Spokane Valley last October, through the Spokane Valley Senior Center, only a handful of participants gathered at Mission Park. Back then, Lewis said, it was a challenge to even round up four players.
These days, over 20 people are on the active roster, including the eight that showed up Tuesday for doubles. Lewis said the move to the temperature-controlled climate of the HUB has helped with the turnout. Even as the weather warms, there are no plans to shift the league back outside.
“I think we’ll stay here,” Lewis said.
Walt Wilkel, 74, started playing Pickleball in November and said the sport has helped him lose weight and increase his strength, agility and balance. Like many who show up to play, Wilkel said the game has also been a good way to socialize.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said.
Hugh and Elizabeth Lewis, two of the catalysts for the league, understand that the competitive aspect of any sport also has its place. Both have participated in a number of Senior Olympic events and races like Bloomsday. At the HUB, however, the priority is staying healthy and catching up with good friends.
“You reap so many benefits from it,” said Peggy Raney, who counts yoga, Pilates and walking among her other activities. “Aerobic exercise is important for my health.”
Elizabeth is one of several senior center members who also participates in Valley Striders, a local walking club that sponsors light aerobic workouts across the street from the center at the Valley YMCA during the winter months.
At the Spokane Valley Senior Center, Karen Parson, senior center specialist, helps coordinate a schedule with an emphasis on physical and emotional well being. In addition to Pickleball, the center features yoga, aerobics and line dancing as well as ping pong and pool.
“It’s about keeping people healthy,” Parson said. “Just to be out there doing something.”
The rewards of staying active are well chronicled in an array of research including a 2005 study by the American Dietic Association which showed that 30 minutes of exercise each day significantly reduced the risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
In 2006, the University of Washington released findings of an eight-year study that documented how regular exercise decreased the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
For Dewey Petersen, 64, Pickleball, walking and golf are part of a healthy schedule that helps combat the effects of diabetes.
“When you exercise, you have more energy and it helps keeps the weight off,” said Peterson.
Judith Perala started showing up at the HUB about five weeks ago after seeing an item in the senior center newsletter. Pickleball has now replaced tennis as her pick of sports.
“I couldn’t play tennis because of my shoulder – but I can play this,” Perala said. “Its just wonderful exercise.”
Those who show up to play here twice a week understand that rallying back from physical challenges supersedes any volley at the net. After breaking her ankle two years ago, Selma Hair worked her way back and now maneuvers around the court as well as any of her fellow competitors.
“I have a pin and a plate in my ankle,” she said. “But I can still exercise.”
Want to find out more?
To learn more about Pickleball or any other program sponsored by the Spokane Valley Senior Center, call 926-1937. Valley Striders can be contacted at 926-1697. For more insight on the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, visit www.walkingabout.com and www.eatright.org.
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By
Craig Howard
