Racquetball Facts

FITNESS BENEFITS

• The average number of calories burned during racquetball play ranges from moderate at 640/hour (Prevention, 1995) to 794/hour (Men's Health, 1995) - to a high level at 822/hour (Sports Training Institute).




• An average game will take 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 the 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.
  
  

  PARTICIPATION (based on the 2005 SGMA study)

  
  

• There are 5,533,000 Racquetball participants in the U.S.




• The number of players increased by 13% in 2004.




• 69% of the participants are men.




• Racquetball participants are more likely than the general population to engage in activities such as squash, scuba diving, volleyball, and rafting.