Pickleball at 44: My Midlife Adventure You Never Saw Coming!!

Damaris Teacherprenuer
3 min readOct 22, 2023

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Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Are you hitting the big 4–0 and wondering how to stay fit and entertained? Say hello to pickleball, the sport that turns your 40s into a midlife adventure you never saw coming!

It caught me and my body off guard, 30 minutes of working out to a video and 30 min on the court playing pickleball under the Caribbean sun are completely two different ways of working out.

The Pickleball Plot Twist

In your 40s, “active lifestyle” can sound like a foreign language, but pickleball is the Rosetta Stone that unlocks the fitness fun:

Thrills & Spills: Forget about midlife crises; we’re talking midlife thrills here. Pickleball’s fast-paced action will have you dodging balls with the agility of a ninja on a caffeine high! Not to say you don’t need to stretch and get ready for a ping pong game. It is a full on sport and speedy and agility is the game, so get stretching!!!!

Challenges & Chuckles: Don’t be surprised if you find yourself laughing while chasing that elusive pickleball. The challenges are real, but the chuckles are just as genuine.

From what you ate for dinner to last fumble the court is not quiet. I love to see all different folks, from young 20’s to retired and with knee surgery. There truly is no other sport it’s such diversity, it is awesome!

Competition & Camaraderie: If life is a game, pickleball is your VIP ticket to play. Compete with friends and make new ones while soaking in the camaraderie.

Just make sure you have the right paddle, it can make all the difference in your game. And just 1 more thing, know your rules!!! I tend to be an impulsive person and this sport is GREAT for impulse control.

Fitness & the Fountain of Youth: Staying active in your 40s becomes a breeze when pickleball is involved. It’s the fountain of youth with a paddle! A workout has never been so much fun! Sports has been the highlight of my youth and I have finally found something that makes me feel like a kid again.

40 and Fabulous Challenges

Of course, there are a few hurdles to cross: I wont front, the for about the first week my feet hurt and stretching was needed more than usual. But once your muscles get in the grove of things it’s like riding a bike.

That Stamina Thing: Building stamina in your 40s might require a bit more pep talk. Think of it as an excuse to indulge in more post-game snacks! I also HIGHLY recommend walking a mile or so a day to get yourself prepped.

Injury Excuse: The odd twinge or bruise? It’s your badge of honor, your battle scars. Wear them proudly, but to avoid them take time to stretch and care for your body. Hydrate properly, our muscles need hydration to stay agile. Without hydration your muscles will cramp, so always make sure to have your water bottle close by.

Skill Share: You’re not born a pickleball pro, but that’s the fun part. Embrace the learning curve with a sense of adventure. For you folks, like me that were athletes in their youth and think you got it all until you step in the court and realize you don’t lol … yes you all out there, don’t give up. Keep practicing and you will get better! Also lift some weights to balance off cardio and weight lifting.

Join the Midlife Revolution!!!! Pickleball in your 40s is the ultimate plot twist, like finding a treasure map to the fountain of youth. It’s the game that’ll keep you on your toes, heart pounding, and laughter rolling.

So, grab your paddle, rally with your squad, and unleash your inner pickleball legend and even more importantly release your inner child and have fun! Life begins at 40, especially when pickleball becomes your midlife adventure. No more midlife crises, just midlife thrills! The adventure of your 40s has just begun, and it’s one wild, hilarious, and thrilling ride. Game on! 🏓💥 Grab your paddle and join the fun today. 🏓💪😂

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