Journalist Navigates Pickleball and Tennis Challenges

The New York Times examines the workout intensity of the two racket sports

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting overlapping scenes of a tennis match and a pickleball game, conveying the dynamic energy and physical intensity of the two sports.A cubist artistic interpretation of the physical and competitive dynamics between tennis and pickleball.NYC Today

The New York Times published an analysis on April 15, 2026, examining the comparative health benefits and workout intensities of tennis and pickleball. The report explores which of the two racket sports provides a more effective physical workout for participants, including a personal perspective from freelance journalist Holly Burns who has been playing both sports.

Why it matters

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, especially among older adults, understanding the physical demands and health benefits compared to traditional tennis can help inform recreational choices and exercise routines.

The details

The report found that pickleball is generally less strenuous than playing tennis, with lower physical intensity levels. Freelance journalist Holly Burns, who has been playing pickleball since 2023 and recently took up tennis, provided a personal account of regularly being defeated by her 12-year-old child in matches for both sports.

  • The New York Times published the analysis on April 15, 2026.
  • Holly Burns began playing pickleball in 2023.
  • Burns also started playing tennis prior to April 15, 2026.

The players

Holly Burns

A freelance journalist and contributor to The New York Times who has been playing both pickleball and tennis.

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What they’re saying

“I'm regularly defeated by my 12-year-old child in matches for both tennis and pickleball.”

— Holly Burns, Freelance Journalist

The takeaway

As pickleball's popularity continues to rise, particularly among older adults, understanding the physical demands and health benefits compared to traditional tennis can help inform recreational choices and exercise routines.