Squash is a racquet sport that demands physical agility, mental acuity, and technical finesse. There are many reasons to play squash; it has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the United States, where participation has grown exponentially. The Sports & Fitness Association (SFIA) reports that the United States has the fastest-growing squash participation worldwide, with an 82% growth overall between 2007 and 2011 to more than 1.2 million squash players.

The growth in junior participation has been even more impressive, with a 400% increase from 2007-2011, roughly 20-30% annually. The number of teams in the U.S. High School Team Championships has also increased by 88%, the largest squash tournament in the world with more than 1,500 players.

10 reasons to play squash!

There are many reasons why people play squash; with that in mind, let’s explore the top 10 reasons to play squash:

It gets you Fit:

Playing squash can be a great exercise that can help you get fit. Squash is a high-intensity sport that involves short bursts of activity followed by brief rest periods, which is the hallmark of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

During a game of squash, you will constantly be moving, changing direction, and accelerating, which can help you burn many calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness. Squash can also help you develop agility, coordination, and endurance.

Furthermore, one of the great reasons to play squash is that it can also help you build a strong body. The sport involves a lot of lunges, twists, and turns, which can help you develop strong leg muscles and improve your core strength. Repeated racket swings can also help you develop strong arm, shoulder, and back muscles.

It’s Social:

Playing squash can be a great way to socialize and meet new people. Whether playing with friends or joining a club, squash offers plenty of opportunities for social interaction.

When you play squash with others, you can bond over the shared experience of the game and develop relationships with other players. This can be especially true if you join a squash club, where you can participate in regular games and tournaments and meet other members who share your interest in the sport.

Furthermore, playing squash can help you expand your social circle outside your immediate community. Many clubs and organizations host tournaments and events that attract players from different cities and regions, allowing you to meet new people and make new friends.

It’s Fun:

Whatever their age or ability, the number one reason people play squash is that it’s fun! Squash is a fun sport that appeals to people of all ages and abilities. It’s one of the primary reasons people play the game. Squash provides an enjoyable workout that challenges the mind and body. With its fast-paced and competitive nature, players can engage in friendly matches with their friends or compete in organized leagues and tournaments. Overall, playing squash is an entertaining and engaging activity that can provide both physical and mental stimulation.

It’s a quick Workout:

Squash is an excellent choice for people who want a quick, efficient workout in a limited amount of time. The typical squash court booking lasts only 40 minutes, providing a high-intensity workout in a short time frame. The game’s fast-paced nature involves bursts of intense activity and short rest periods, making it an ideal form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Additionally, squash requires agility, endurance, and quick reflexes, making it a total body workout that burns significant calories. Therefore, squash is an excellent choice for those looking for a fast and effective workout option.

It burns calories fast:

Squash is a highly effective sport for burning calories quickly. In just 30 minutes of playing squash, you can burn up to 500 calories, which is more than what you would burn through running, cycling, or swimming, according to research cited by Forbes. This is because squash involves fast-paced movement, quick reflexes, and explosive power, requiring your body to work hard and burn significant energy. Therefore, playing squash regularly can help you lose weight, increase your metabolic rate, and improve your overall fitness levels.

It can help you live longer:

Regular participation in racket sports like tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, people who play racket sports regularly are 53% less likely to experience cardiovascular disease than those who don’t participate in physical activity.

Playing racket sports requires continuous movement, which helps to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, strengthening the heart muscle, and improving blood circulation. It also helps to reduce stress levels, improve hand-eye coordination, and promote social interaction, all of which can contribute to a longer and healthier life.

It’s for Everyone:

Squash is a sport people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels can enjoy. Numerous programs and initiatives, such as Squash Girls Can and Squash 101, are designed to make squash accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of background or experience.

Squash Girls Can is a campaign that aims to encourage more women and girls to participate in squash and to challenge the stereotypes that may prevent them from doing so. The program provides resources and support to help women and girls of all abilities get involved in the sport and develop their skills.

Squash 101 is a beginner’s program that introduces the basics of the sport to new players. It covers everything from the game’s rules to the techniques and skills needed. The program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of age or fitness level.

Squash is a fun and exciting sport with numerous health benefits and a great workout. With programs like Squash Girls Can and Squash 101, everyone can get involved and enjoy the sport, regardless of background or experience.

It makes you happy:

There’s nothing like hitting a ball against as well as hard as you can to help get all the negative energy out! Squash can help reduce stress, release endorphins, and improve your mood.

Playing squash can positively impact your mental well-being and help improve your mood. Squash is a high-intensity sport requiring quick movements, rapid decision-making, and precise shots, which can be a great way to release negative energy and reduce stress levels.

In addition, squash can be a social activity, providing an opportunity to connect with others and form new relationships. The social aspect of squash can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, often associated with poor mental health.

Playing squash can significantly improve your mental well-being, reduce stress, and increase happiness and well-being.

It is affordable:

Squash can be affordable compared to high-intensity sports like tennis or racquetball. The basic equipment needed to play squash, such as a racket and ball, can be purchased for a relatively low cost, and many clubs or leisure centers offer rental equipment for those who don’t want to purchase their own.

In addition, court hire fees for squash can vary. Still, in many areas, it can be as little as $15 per person, which is relatively inexpensive compared to other sports or recreational activities.

Many clubs and leisure centers also offer affordable social group sessions for players of all levels, which can be a great way to access the sport on a budget. These sessions often include coaching, equipment rental, and court time, making it easier for beginners to get started and for experienced players to improve their skills.

Overall, playing squash can be an affordable way to stay active and enjoy the numerous health benefits that the sport provides. With basic equipment that is relatively inexpensive and affordable court hire fees and social group sessions, squash is a great sport that people of all backgrounds and budgets can enjoy.

It’s All-Weather:

Come rain or shine; squash can be played all year round. At Play Squash Academy, offering squash lessons all year round is a great way to ensure that players can continue to develop their skills and enjoy the sport, regardless of the season. Indoor squash courts provide a comfortable and safe environment for players to play, even during winter, when outdoor sports may not be feasible due to inclement weather conditions.

Additionally, playing squash indoors can be a great way to stay active and healthy during the colder months when outdoor activities are limited. Squash is a high-intensity sport that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, which can help to improve overall fitness levels and boost mood and energy levels.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, playing squash is a fun and social activity and a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy. With its rapid growth in popularity and accessibility, there’s never been a better time to pick up a racket and hit the court. Squash offers a range of physical and mental health benefits. From getting fit to meeting new people, there are many great reasons to play squash, so why not try it and see why squash is quickly becoming one of the most beloved sports worldwide?

Want to join a squash academy?

The Play Squash Academy (PSA) in McLean, Virginia, provides various services, including squash lessons, camps, and court rentals. Their programs cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels to deliver top-notch squash instruction and facilities within a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The plus point is that Play squash academy offers year-round squash lessons.

In addition to providing recreational and competitive play opportunities, Play Squash Academy offers private and group lessons, clinics, junior camps, tournaments, and a pro shop stocked with various squash equipment and accessories.

Click here to learn more about registering for a Play Squash Academy intro lesson.

Sign up here for a free 30 min lesson/assessment with one of our coaches.