Readers are invited to join VietNamNet Sports to start with the discovery of Pickleball to its current popularity with its interesting and unexpected values. Pickleball has been ‘knocking on the door’ of every household around the world, bringing a pleasant ‘fever’ without lacking the beauty of a sport that is considered easy – cheap – healthy, suitable for all ages. Let’s join VietNamNet Sports to start with the discovery of Pickleball to its current popularity with its interesting and unexpected values through a series of related articles.

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Outside of the United States, the popularity of pickleball has always caused mixed reactions in any country. Vietnam has also had its share of controversies.

Ernesto Cardenas, a former physical education teacher, is recognized as one of the most influential people in pickleball in Spain and Europe.

Cardenas learned about pickleball during a trip to Utah. When he returned to Spain, he sought to popularize the sport.

Initially, Cardenas took pickleball to schools, sports clubs, fire stations, prisons or centers for the disabled. To make it easier, he decided to quit his job.

“When I quit, they told me I was crazy. Now, they call me a visionary,” Cardenas said after representing Spain in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, as well as parts of the United States.

Cardenas is a prime example of how pickleball evolved from a pariah to a pioneer. Controversy did not stop the masses from embracing the American-invented rackets and balls.

Because, pickleball is more than just a sport. It’s easy to list the advantages of pickleball: short learning curve, strong appeal to many ages, suitable for different fitness levels, low cost…

More importantly: practicing pickleball – often as a family – has important health benefits, increasing resistance and improving the cardiovascular system.

According to research by USA Pickleball (the governing body of pickleball in the United States; provides official rules, tournaments, rankings, and promotional materials), playing pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout in today’s age.

It is estimated that a game of pickleball can burn an average of 600 calories per hour (depending on body type and intensity of play; according to studies, women can burn 500 calories, compared to 800 calories in men), making it a great way to exercise the body, helping to keep the heart and lungs healthy.

Health experts say that pickleball is an aerobic exercise, which means it helps improve lung function. This can help people be more proactive about their heart health, lung health, and better weight control.

Physical therapist Dr. Jim Edwards, in a conversation with the Cleveland Clinic (a non-profit medical organization founded more than a century ago, with offices in the US, Canada, UK and UAE), gave five health benefits of playing pickleball: improved cardiovascular health; increased muscle and bone strength; improved balance and coordination; improved brain health; and increased longevity.

Taylor Swift, pickleball ambassador

The incredible growth of pickleball in the US and the world has a big role to play for Taylor Swift, the queen of contemporary pop music.

Although no one has officially confirmed it, Taylor Swift is considered a global ambassador for pickleball.

The main character of the documentary Miss Americana, who joined the billionaires list less than a year ago, regularly plays pickleball as a form of recreation and exercise.

During her “The Eras Tour” – the most successful tour of all time – to ensure her physical fitness for the journey around the world, the singer chose pickleball as one of her main forms of exercise.

To burn out during 3 continuous hours of concerts, combining singing and dancing, Taylor Swift must meet strict requirements from personal experts during physical training.

Taylor Swift chose pickleball because she was told it’s a great cardio workout while avoiding putting too much stress on her joints (as Dr. Jim Edwards points out in benefit number three).

For Taylor Swift, picking up a pickleball racket also has a positive impact on her mental health. Because playing is a way for the 34-year-old singer to share her time with society.

Taylor Swift, with 283 million Instagram followers, made a big impact when she appeared in a pickleball image. The purple sport dress she wore even became a new fashion trend.

Meanwhile, actor Jamie Foxx picked up pickleball to help him recover from a hospital stay last year with a serious health condition.

Foxx was almost out of it for about 20 days. After being discharged from the hospital, he barely appeared and there were many negative rumors about the 56-year-old actor’s health.

Corinne Foxx, daughter of the 2005 Oscar winner for best actor, said her father took up pickleball for rehabilitation.

“Pickleball appeals to people of all ages and experience levels,” concludes Dr. Jim Edwards. “It’s a great sport for beginners who want to get more exercise.”

Pickleball, from discovery to craze and unexpected value. We invite readers to join VietNamNet Sports to start with the discovery of Pickleball to its current popularity with interesting and unexpected values…