Are you looking to try racket sports to achieve your fitness goals?
(Photo by J. Schiemann on Unsplash)
What are the fastest growing sports right now?
Robert Rizea, the co-founder of RacketPal, shared in an interview with British Vogue that the title belongs to pickleball and padel, both of which are considered racket sports. (2023)
Fueled by a demand for physical activities towards health and fitness after COVID, racket sports have become a major outlet to recover after years of inactivity.
Cebu has seen its fair share of indoor sports arenas opening over the past few years. Some are for friendly meetups, while others are for improving or learning a particular game or sport.
Today, we’ll explore which racket games Cebuanos enjoy the most, including a list of locations where they can play.
But first, why racket sports? What makes them so popular?
RACKET SPORTS AND LONGEVITY
A 2018 study from the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that individuals who frequently play racket sports can live up to nearly 10 years longer compared to physically inactive individuals.
Tennis, the top racket sport in the world, adds an average of 9.7 extra years, while badminton adds 6.2. Both are higher than other popular physical activities in Cebu like cycling, swimming, and jogging.
Simply put, you live longer if you play these sports more.
An article in Harvard Health also mentioned that its use of lateral movements helps in balance and weight shifting. It’s a full-body workout with constant movement that improves cardiovascular health. (2017)
COMMON RACKET SPORTS PLAYED BY CEBUANOS
In Cebu, the most common physical activities are running, cycling, and hiking. However, there is a growing interest in racket sports, especially low-intensity alternatives to tennis.
The most popular racket games in Cebu have specific attributes that aid in physical wellness, so breaking them down will help you with the important decision posted at the end of this article.
- PICKLEBALL
Did you know that pickleball is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world?
Pickleball quickly became a popular sport in Cebu for good reason. Its mass appeal comes from its accessibility to a wide range of individuals, including older adults and those with certain physical limitations.
Pickleball is great if tennis is too intense for you. The smaller court and slower ball speed make it easier to manage, even when you’re still starting out. The paddles are also light and easy to handle.
As of writing, there are dozens of pickleball courts around the island from the city to the province, and the Cebu Professional Pickleball Association has hosted numerous sports clinics and tournaments.
BEST PLACE TO PLAY PICKLEBALL: SM Seaside City Cebu
While there are several specially made pickleball courts, our bet is the one within SM Seaside Cebu for better accessibility within the city center.
Located on the Upper Ground Floor of the Cube Wing, the court is free of charge as long as you bring your own paddle. Each group is allowed an hour each, so make the most of your time.
- BADMINTON
Visit the closest badminton court in Cebu for some high-octane action.
(Photo by Nothing Ahead on Pexels)
A bit more intense but with the same size court as pickleball, badminton uses a feathered shuttlecock that is passed back and forth in the air. This sport focuses more on speed through high-intensity bursts of power.
Games are relatively short, but the use of lightning fast reflexes forces players to exert tons of energy. One game takes around 15 minutes, but you will already be breaking a sweat.
Before the pandemic, there had already been several badminton courts in Cebu like Mactan Poona Zone and POINT 21 in Mabolo. They have since improved their facilities and services to compete against the newly opened courts in the city.
BEST PLACE TO PLAY BADMINTON: Metro Sports Center
Metro Sports is considered to have the best badminton court in Cebu. The spacious covered court uses Taraflex matting, which is believed to ease the strain on your knees when playing.
It is a few meters away from Cebu IT Park, with 14 different courts, allowing for more players to visit and play.
- TENNIS
Tennis is considered one of the top physical activities for health and fitness.
(Photo by Jim De Ramos on Pexels)
One of the most popular racket sports in the world, and considered the seventh hardest sport by ESPN, tennis is extremely intense because of its long-drawn out rallies.
Often played outdoors, it requires a massive court—78 feet long. Its vastness requires more powerful strikes and endurance from more ground to cover.
Most tennis courts in Cebu are within hotels, residential subdivisions, and even office spaces. However, there are a few indoor courts that help you transition from pickleball or badminton.
BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS: Cebu Tennis Hub
If you’re looking to learn the basics of tennis, look no further than the self-practice hub in Lapu-Lapu City. Cebu Tennis Hub lets customers practice the basics of swinging and serving.
This is great for those who just want to play by themselves and enjoy the sports with no pressure.
WHICH RACKET SPORT SUITS YOUR FITNESS GOALS?
Another question worth asking yourself if you plan on getting into racket sports is how much intensity you can take.
Pickleball is perfect if you’re looking for a sport that’s easy to learn and requires less energy, while badminton is great for short but physically grueling matches.
If you really want to challenge yourself, then hit the tennis court and test your endurance.
You should also consider finances, as equipment for these sports can be expensive. Some consider looking to borrow a racket or rent one before getting their own.
Some locations may be a bit too far as well, so you have to think about which locations are most accessible to you. There are plenty of courts around the city, so do some research and figure out which is closest.
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Racket sports are quickly becoming a favorite pastime among Cebuanos. Whether you like the casual play of pickleball, the agility and quickness of badminton, or the high intensity of tennis, there’s a lot to gain from these well known sports.
REFERENCES:
Day, Georgia. 2023. “From Pickleball To Padel: The Rise Of Racket Sports And The Best Places To Play Them.” British Vogue.
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/where-to-play-racket-sports.
“Racket sports serve up health benefits.” 2017. Harvard Health Publishing.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/racket-sports-serve-up-health-benefits-2017060911780.
