How Badminton Smashed Through The Global Covid Pandemic

April 08 23:08 2021

Here’s a fact that may shock the reader: Badminton is the second most popular sport in the world. 

Played regularly by an estimated 220 million people worldwide, football (soccer) is actually the only sport to boast larger participation figures than badminton, largely due to it’s hugely popular standing in much of Asia.

Why is badminton so popular right now?

Badminton is one of the most adaptable and inclusive sports. Providing you have access to an indoor court then badminton can be played all year round. If no indoor court is available then a more casual game can be set up in the garden and this has proven to be a big hit since the summer of 2020, when the pandemic began to bite.

With the pandemic putting a stop to most recreational sports in the UK & worldwide, the demand for alternative outdoor activities surged. Yonex, the largest badminton brand in the world, completely sold out of recreational level equipment within a month of Boris Johnson announcing a nationwide lockdown. Gardens became courts up and down the country with badminton providing a cheap and easy way for families to play, enjoy time outside and get some much needed exercise.

Could badminton be better for you than running?

The intense, stop-start nature of badminton, classed as intermittent exercise, has been shown to be more effective at lowering blood pressure than steady state exercises such as running according to a study published by the British Journal of Sport Medicine.

One particular Danish study also found that whilst cycling, swimming and running increased life expectancy by approximately three years, this was doubled to around six years with a racket based sport like badminton.

BadmintonHQ.co.uk has seen a boom in demand for basic equipment as people look to play casual games outside during the pandemic. It’s their hope that this interest in badminton continues and that more people are also tempted to play recreationally once facilities re-open. As passionate players, BadmintonHQ are keen to stress that badminton can be one of the best ways to get fit and perhaps lose the lockdown belly, commenting:

“In recent times, Joe Wicks has popularised High Intensity Interval Training, and we firmly believe badminton can provide a similar form of exercise, in a more fun, social environment for those tired of exercising alone in their living rooms. Badminton can be much more than just a gentle garden game, it’s the fastest racket sport in the world and professionals can hit smashes in excess of 420kph!”

“Playing badminton burns an approximate 450 calories per hour and also helps to improve balance, flexibility and increase muscle tone, whilst lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Badminton is also a ‘complex sport’ which requires coordination and quick decision making, which is good for the brain and can help prevent disease such as dementia. It’s also a truly inclusive sport, for any gender and ability.”

Perhaps it’s time to look beyond home workouts and pounding the pavements because badminton could be the answer to a healthier and happier life.

About BadmintonHQ.co.uk

BadmintonHQ.co.uk is a family owned business in Romsey, Hampshire, run by badminton specialists with a long history of both playing and coaching. With its experience and expertise, BadmintonHQ.co.uk can offer honest advice on products, via phone, email or the live chat service available on their website.

Media Contact
Company Name: Badminton HQ
Contact Person: David Tuttlebee
Email: Send Email
Phone: +44 (0) 2380002388
Address:Unit 1 Greatbridge Business Park, Romsey
City: Hampshire, SO51 0HA
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://badmintonhq.co.uk/

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