I am in no way, shape or form a professional racquetball player. I am, however, a girl/lady/woman who LOVES playing it just for the fun of it – and the cardiovascular benefits are amazing.

When I think of racquetball, I tend to think of the sweaty guy with the headband, goggles and armpit stains on his shirt…oh-so-not ladylike. When I was in college, my boyfriend and I decided to try it out – and immediately fell in love with the sport, if not each other. Fifteen years later, the level of enjoyment is still as high – competition rears it’s little head, and GAME ON!

After one hour of play, you feel more invigorated – alive – and completely satisfied with a fabulous cardio workout. Racquetball is one of the ways I helped shed the pounds after having twins – and it is an outstanding stress reliever! Here are some interesting factoids regarding the health benefits of racquetball (Source: www.homefieldadvantage.com):

• Average number of calories burned during racquetball play: 640/hour [Prevention, 1995] to 794/hour [Men's Health, 1995] — can get to a very high level at 13.7 per minute (or 822/hour) [Sports Training Institute]
• An average game takes 20 minutes, during which a player will run a distance of approximately 3,650 feet — or over two miles in one hour of play. [U.S. Olympic Training Center]
• Racquetball players work at a constant rate of 75 to 85% of their maximum heart rate for the duration of a typical racquetball game. [USRA Elite Training Camp, 1992]
• Racquetball offers both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, with both sustained high level heart rate activity and quick bursts of energy required during play.
• Racquetball works nearly every muscle group, including sustained, repetitive use of large muscles that increase calorie burn and reduce fat percentage. (from USRA.org)

Want to try racquetball for yourself? Here are some of the racquetball courts in the New Orleans area:

Elmwood Fitness Center
Harahan; 733-1600

Recreation & Fitness Center at UNO
UNO campus; 280-6357

New Orleans Athletic Club
New Orleans; 525-2375

Hilton New Orleans Riverside
New Orleans; 556-3742

Manhatten Athletic Club
Marrero; 341-2582

Also, you might want to check-out the Louisiana Racquetball Association

Have fun – and always be sure to wear goggles…not the best fashion accessory, but certainly the best way to maintain good vision in the future.

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Alison is currently the owner of Self Confidence LLC, and is a District Manager/Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, a 30-year-old international health and wellness company. Experience includes 11 years with Ochsner Health System. Alison is the mother of 5-year-old twins, Cole & Cassidy…who led her to gain and then lose over 80 pounds…through diet, nutrition and exercise.