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Squash is a game that is played all over the world and is extremely popular.
The game dates back to the 19th century, albeit a slightly different variation of squash (then called rackets). Rackets evolved into the modern squash game as we know it today.
Squash is a racket game for 2 people, played in a completely closed court.
It is somewhat similar to tennis in the sense that you hit a ball with a racket, but in squash the players are not facing each other but next to each other and can use the walls.
There is therefore no net stretched and the soft ball is played by both players against the opposite wall.
Although squash is not currently an Olympic sport, the highlight is the Squash World Championship, where the best players from around the world compete to become the ultimate squash champion.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 Why do you choose squash?
- 2 Why is squash the healthiest sport?
- 3 Which is harder, tennis or squash?
- 4 Is squash a HIIT?
- 5 Is squash bad for your knees?
- 6 Are you losing weight by playing squash?
- 7 Is squash the most physically demanding sport?
- 8 Is squash bad for your back?
- 9 How can I improve my squash game?
- 10 Conclusion
Why do you choose squash?
You burn a lot of calories with a game of squash, an average player burns about 600 calories.
You are constantly in motion and turning and walking a lot has a positive effect on the flexibility of your muscles. Your arms, abdomen, back muscles and legs will become stronger.
It improves your responsiveness and also lowers your stress level. je cardiovascular health improves greatly. It's so nice to get rid of all your worries after a busy day at work.
It is a pleasant and social sport, almost a quarter of the Dutch indicate that they make new friends through sports.
There is no better place to meet new people than… on the squash court!
The threshold to start playing squash is very low: your age, gender and skills don't really matter. You need a racket and a ball. You can often also borrow it at the squash court.
You get a happy feeling from playing squash; For starters, your brain releases substances such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine during exercise.
These are so-called 'feel good' substances that make you happy, reduce any pain and make you feel happy.
This mix of positive substances is already released after about 20 to 30 minutes of intensive exercise.
Squash is one of the healthiest sports in the world, according to Forbes magazine.
Why is squash the healthiest sport?
It improves cardio endurance. According to research from Men's Health, squash burns 50% more calories than running and burns more fat than any cardio machine.
By running back and forth in the midst of rallies, you become heart rate (measuring!) higher and stays there, due to the constant, fast-paced action of the game.
Which is harder, tennis or squash?
While both games provide their players with a high level of difficulty and excitement, tennis is the more difficult of the two to learn. A tennis player stepping onto a squash court for the first time can easily do a few rallies.
Is squash a HIIT?
With squash you don't just beat your opponent, you beat the game! And it's damn good for you too.
The cardiovascular training and the stop-start nature (a mimic of interval training) make it a competitive version of HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) training.
Is squash bad for your knees?
Squash can be hard on the joints. Twisting your knee can damage the cruciate ligaments.
To reduce the risk of injury, also practice yoga for flexibility and sprinting and running for muscle building.
Are you losing weight by playing squash?
Playing squash gives you an efficient workout to lose weight because it involves constant, short sprints. You can burn about 600 to 900 calories per hour while playing squash.
Is squash the most physically demanding sport?
According to Forbes Magazine, squash is arguably the healthiest sport out there!:
“Wall Street's favorite game has convenience on its side, as 30 minutes on the squash court provides an impressive cardio-respiratory workout.”
Is squash bad for your back?
There are several sensitive areas such as the discs, joints, ligaments, nerves and muscles that can be easily irritated.
This can be caused by jerking, twisting and repeatedly bending the spine.
How can I improve my squash game?
- Buy the right squash racket
- Hit at a good height
- Aim for the back corners
- Keep it close to the sidewall
- Go back to the 'T' after playing the ball
- watch the ball
- Make your opponent move around
- eat smart
- Think about your game
Conclusion
Squash is a sport that requires a lot of technique and speed, but once you get the hang of it it is super fun to play and very good for your health.