Every year, our family (all 11 of us) gets together to spend time together, catch up, and just enjoy each other’s company. This year we went to a leisure and sports resort in North Devon, and that’s where I tried pickleball for the first time.
Something surprising happened almost straight away. After only two sessions, my tremor noticeably calmed down. When I mentioned it to a specialist, they said the rhythmic, repeated movement in pickleball can help activate motor pathways.
The more I’ve read and spoken to people about it since, the more it makes sense. For me, pickleball brings together a lot of the things that are often recommended for Parkinson’s:
- Balance and footwork
- Hand–eye coordination and reaction time
- A gentle cardio boost
- Strength and flexibility (without feeling like a gym session)
- A brain workout (tracking the ball, planning shots, quick decisions)
- A mood lift from getting out, laughing, and being around other people
I know Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and I’m not saying pickleball is a cure—but for me it’s been a really positive reminder that movement still matters. If you’re living with Parkinson’s (or supporting someone who is), it might be worth asking your specialist or physio whether a gentle, fun sport like this could be safe for you to try.
Off the back of that, I’ve joined a local pickleball club so I can keep playing regularly and see what difference it makes over time. Even if you start small— one short session, a slower pace, plenty of breaks—the combination of light exercise, coordination, and friendly company can be a real lift. I’m cheering you on.