Welcome to the first edition of CHStoday Wellness, brought to you by CHStoday in partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare. For the last three years, we’ve been interested in launching a monthly newsletter that explores local wellness news, activities, and events — and today, it’s here. Lace up and read on, Charleston.
Everything you need to know about pickleball in Charleston
Presented by Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Pickleball is sweeping the nation (and city). | Photo via Flickr
A net shorter than a tennis net, a paddle bigger than a ping pong paddle, and a court the size of a badminton court. That’s right, it’s pickleball — the fast paced game that’s sweeping the nation.
ICYMI, pickleball is tennis, ping pong, and badminton rolled into one. The easy-to-play game (read: anyone can learn in ~5 minutes) is as fun for newbies as it is for pros, and has a wildfire-knack for accumulating obsessive followers.
Why the pickleball craze?
Known as the fastest growing sport in the US, the game that got its start in 1965 has skyrocketed in popularity the last few years — growing to millions of players, 38,000 courts, and 47 major tournaments across the country.
The reason it’s so catchy: All ages can play, with kids, seniors, and everyone in between filling the courts. The highly social sport is so fun and easy to learn that many people find themselves playing weekly in a short time.
How to play (and tips to prevent injury):
Pickleball rules are simple. Open to 2-4 players, gameplay feels like life-size ping pong with tennis vibes and badminton fun. The game isn’t as intense as tennis, but — as with all physical activities — injuries can happen. (And it’s all fun and games until, well, it isn’t.)
When picking up a new sport, staying injury-free is top priority. Roper St. Francis Healthcare orthopaedic surgeon Brian Cash, MD, shares these three tips:
Listen to your body: Have aching joints or swelling knees? It’s time for a break. Be aware of current pains and past injuries — the goal is to avoid re-aggravation or overuse injuries.
Be intentional with recovery: Recovery is an important precautionary step. Stay hydrated, use ice packs as needed, and take recovery days between plays.
Know when to seek help:While overall considered a safe sport, pickleball can cause pain in the shoulder, elbows, hips, and knees. Any sudden or severe pain — or minor pain lasting longer than a week — should be evaluated by a doctor.
There’s a new pickleball court in town.
In case you missed it, here’s our comprehensive guide on the best local spots to play pickleball. But there’s anew player in town, and (spoiler alert) it’s more than just a pickleball court.
We got the scoop from Dan Levin, the new biz’s Director of Pickleball/Head Pro, who gave us the lowdown on Charleston’s soon-to-open pickleball club that’s creating a lot of buzz: Crush Yard.
Bonus: Now through March 7, CHStoday readers can save 20% on Nettie pickleball paddles + sets with this exclusive discount. 🏓
A. Not familiar at all — I’ve never played
B. Slightly familiar — I’ve played once
C. Moderately familiar — I’ve played a few times
D. Very familiar — I play a lot
E. Extremely familiar — I’m obsessed!
Hippie Dash | Saturday, March 4 | Registration 8 a.m., Kids Fun Run 9:30 a.m., 5K 10 a.m. | James Island County Park | $20-40 | 5K fun run/walk supporting Palmetto Goodwill and raising awareness and funding for people with disabilities.
Restorative Yoga | Wednesday, March 8 | 6:30 p.m. | CornerCopia James Island, 1230 Camp Rd. | $20
Workout and Wellness Crawl | Saturday, March 25 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Viva Tacos & Tequila, 864 Island Park Dr., Ste. 105 | $10 | Three 20-minute workout sessions between Camp Gladiator , The Bar Method, and Cycle House, with proceeds donated to Warrior WOD nonprofit.
Outdoors
Front Beach Fest | Saturday, March 4 | 12-4 p.m. | 0 Pavilion Dr., Isle of Palms | Free | This annual, family-friendly festival features live beach music, craft vendors, restaurant vendors, children’s activities, and more.
Free Gardening: Native Plants | Wednesday, March 8 | 4 p.m. | Charleston County Public Library’s Mt. Pleasant Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Rd., Mt Pleasant | Free | Learn to garden with Clemson Extension Horticulture Agent Chris Burtt.
3rd Annual Mental Health HEROES Golf Classic | Wednesday, March 22 | 8 a.m. | Dunes West Golf and River Club | $125 | Registration open and sponsorships available — tournament proceeds help community members access mental healthcare.
Shop
Vintage Market Days of Charleston | March 24-26 | Times vary | Charleston Area Convention Center | $10-15 | Indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home décor, outdoor furnishings, and more.
Headed to Charleston Wine + Food? There will be plenty of fromage from esteemed local restaurants, chefs, and tastemakers… and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
If you want to indulge in all the festival has to offer while still being mindful of calories, here’s how to navigate the cheesiest of dishes according to the health experts. Hint: Yes, cheese— in small amounts —can be good for you. 🧀
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags with fruits and veggies, Charleston. In the spirit of supporting all things local, we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets in the Lowcountry where you’ll find fresh food, live music, and local vendors.
ICYMI, REI Co-op outdoor gear shop held its grand opening earlier this month at its new location in Indigo Square Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant, where GreenWise Market used to be. (The Post and Courier)
In honor of International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, we’re all about encouraging the women we love to put themselves (and their health) first. Here are the health screenings women should get in each decade of life. (Do you know yours? We didn’t.)
HIGHLIGHTED
Here’s where we’ll highlightsome recent wellness stories worth a read.
This content is brought to you by CHStoday in partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
