A few years ago, I discovered pickleball during the pandemic. Little did I know it would transform my idea of the perfect date night with my husband. It all started when I began playing three times a week with my girlfriends. My husband, noticing how much fun I was having and perhaps feeling a tad bit jealous, decided to give it a try. Encouraging him to join was one of the best decisions we've made as a couple.
We invited another couple, friends of ours, to join us at our local club, Bobby Riggs in Encinitas. We played for two hours, had a great time, and went our separate ways. But we were hooked. The very next week, we met up again, played for another two hours, and followed it up with dinner. Fast forward two years, and we still have a standing date night of pickleball, dinner, and a glass of wine. We look forward to it every week. Here's why pickleball has become our go-to date night activity and why it could be perfect for you too.
1. Active and Engaging
Unlike the typical date night options that often involve sitting for extended periods, pickleball gets you moving. It's a fun and active way to spend time together, helping us stay fit while also enjoying each other's company. The game is easy to learn but offers enough of a challenge to keep it interesting. Plus, the friendly competition adds a bit of excitement to our evenings.
2. Quality Time Together
Playing this sport requires communication and teamwork, which strengthens our bond. It's a great way to connect on a different level, working together towards a common goal. We've learned to better communicate and support each other, which has positively impacted other aspects of our relationship.
3. Social Interaction
Our weekly pickleball games have expanded our social circle. We've met so many wonderful people on the courts Inviting another couple to join us has also turned our date nights into double dates, making them even more enjoyable. The social aspect of pickleball is one of its biggest draws. According to an article I found, pickleball has even been used for speed dating, proving it's a fantastic way for singles to meet new people and potentially find romance on the court.
4. Affordable Fun
Once you have the necessary equipment – paddles, balls, and appropriate shoes – the ongoing costs are minimal. Many clubs offer reasonably priced memberships or court rentals, making it an economical option for regular date nights. Plus, playing a sport is much cheaper than many other date night activities like dining out or going to the movies.
5. Dinner and Friends
After our game, we usually head out for dinner. Sometimes we just grab some wine along with easy ingredients and head to one of our homes to make dinner. It's an enjoyable way to wind down after a couple of hours on the court. We've found that this routine gives us something to look forward to each week and provides a great balance of activity and relaxation.
6. Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress
Exercise is known to release endorphins, which help reduce stress and boost mood. We've found that our date nights leave us feeling happier and more relaxed. It's a great way to unwind after a busy week and spend quality time together in a positive, uplifting environment.
7. Adaptable for All Skill Levels
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, pickleball is suitable for all skill levels. My husband and I were at different levels when we started, but the game is easy to pick up and allows for players of varying abilities to enjoy it together. As we've improved, we've adjusted the pace and intensity of our games to match our growing skills.
8. Something to Look Forward To
Having a regular, planned activity to look forward to each week has been wonderful for our relationship. It gives us a break from the routine and something exciting to anticipate. Knowing we have this time set aside for each other strengthens our bond and keeps our connection strong.
9. Inspires a Healthy Lifestyle
Our weekly date night has inspired us to lead a healthier lifestyle overall. We've become more conscious of staying active and making healthier choices in our daily lives. The benefits of this go beyond our time on the court, positively impacting our overall well-being.
10. Keeps the Romance Alive
Ultimately, these date nights keeps us engaged and connected in our relationship. It's a unique and fun way to spend time together, different from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. The blend of physical activity, teamwork, social interaction, and relaxation makes it the perfect recipe for a memorable and enjoyable date night.
11. OUTFITS!
The final bonus of our pickleball date nights is an excuse to improve our pickleball look. When I first started learning the sport, I would wear yoga pants or random shorts and tops. Since we head to dinner right after pickleball, I wanted an outfit that would look and feel great on the court but also wear well out to the local restaurants. When searching for pickleball outfits, I mostly found cheap tees with silly puns and dad jokes. Not my style! Then I found PB5star. Cute skirts that feel good during the game? Check! The most comfortable lightweight tanks and flattering sports bras? Check, check! My husband, a minimalist and practical dresser, loves how comfortable he feels during play. I don't even think he realizes how much better he looks and plays when his clothes fit well, breathe well, and look intentional.
If you're looking for a fun, active, and engaging way to spend time with your partner, give pickleball a try. It might just become your favorite date night activity too. Whether you're playing with friends or just the two of you, the benefits are undeniable. So grab a paddle, hit the court, and see how pickleball can enhance your relationship and your life. Cheers to many more happy date nights on the court!