Is Squash Good For You

Why is Squash Good for You?

I love Fridays as I sneak away first thing in the morning and get in a game of squash.  I’ve been playing for many years on and off and really enjoy the game.  Ok – hands up, I’m not that good at it but I think my skill is definitely improving and in any case, it’s a lot of fun.

Here’s what I do.  I go to my local squash club and guess what – Hire Fitness has installed some pieces of fitness equipment in the club, so we can warm up and cool down properly.  So, I usually choose my favourite piece which is the Super Deluxe Home Elliptical Cross Trainer.  Starting slowly, I begin warming up and within a couple of minutes I up the ante and increase the resistance.  When I feel that my body is sufficiently warmed up, I sometimes try a bit of interval training to help boost my cardiovascular fitness.  This involves pedalling for 1 minute as fast as I can and them attempting to recover over the next 2 or 3 minutes!  I’d say my recovery time is definitely getting shorter though.

After all that I then go and play squash!

So is Squash Good for You?

Very definitely yes, squash is good for you.  It’s been rated as the healthiest sport by the American business magazine, Forbes.  (If you’re interested, here’s their top 10:  Squash, Rowing, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Cross-Country Skiing, Basketball, Cycling, Running, Modern Pentathlon and Boxing.

For those who have never played before, squash is a racquet game that can literally be played by people of any age to any level.  It can be played competitively or for leisure and fun.  It’s played with 2 people in a small 4 walled court and the ball is made of rubber and is small and hollow.  It’s a fast moving high impact sport which is great for your cardiovascular fitness.  However, if you suffer with knee problems, it’s probably not for you as most of the stress falls on the knee joints.

Squash keeps you fit as there is a lot of running and jumping involved.  It helps to increase your flexibility and general strength – particularly in your back with the reaching.  And being a racquet sport, it helps build good hand/eye coordination.  It’s also a great stress release as you hit the life out of that ball – particularly if someone’s upset you recently!

What is the Similarity Between Squash and Hire Fitness

It’s simple – both allow you to workout, whatever the weather outside.  Whether there’s rain, snow, floods or heavy winds, you can still exercise as both are inside!

So – give it a go.  I think you’ll love it.

Nicky Terrett

Hire Fitness, West London