Health Benefits of Squash

Get fit with squash: What’s the fuss about squash, earlier known as racquet squash, is a high-speed racket sport played by two players in a four-walled court. Like most sports, squash is also a game where you need to be fit to play. It will dry up your energy reserve as it requires a combination of skill, stamina, strength, power and reflex. But the first step to mastering any sport is training.

How it helps: Squash is a constant whole-body activity, which demands a high level of aerobic fitness. Even during a regular game, you’ll end up working at about 80 per cent of your maximum heart rate, as you pounce from corner to corner. It helps in maintaining your fitness level and is great for challenging your physical and mental stamina. It’s an excellent cardio workout, especially for those who look the other way at the sight
of gyms.

Watch out: This high intensity activity can cause severe injuries if you’re not trained. Make sure to practise under the supervision of an experienced coach or play with a skilled partner.

You’ll need: To sign up with a sports club with a squash court.

Expert’s take: Deanne Panday, fitness expert, says, “Squash is a great cardio workout. It improves your circulation, burns calories and strengthens your heart and lungs. It also improves your endurance levels and stamina.” But she warns, “Chances of injury are really high if you don’t warm up or do some sort of strengthtraining before you head for the court. If you’re not trained you could easily end up with severe injuries of the lower back, knees, shoulder, elbows and legs. Also, while playing squash, you might use your stronger arm causing an imbalance, which can lead to strain. It’s important to stretch both before and after a game. Yoga is great for people who want to play and train in squash. Certain asanas make muscles around your gluts, back, arms and legs stronger. Yoga creates a balance and you’ll be less susceptible to injury while playing. Besides, the breathing techniques used in it will increase your lung capacity, which will make you last longer on the court.”