Isn’t your curiosity piqued as more recreational spaces introduce pickleball courts as the latest attraction? These courts are popping up like mushrooms after the rain, taking the nation by storm! And who could resist the exhilarating rallies with colleagues or friends in a game of badminton? Some call it the ‘Olympics effect,’ but can we blame anyone for joining the hype? We all remember that intense, nail-biting rubber game between our Men’s pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, and Denmark’s Astrup-Rasmussen that’s got everyone nerve-wrecked! Or perhaps you came across the “you’re heartbroken so it’s time to hike” trend. Time to unravel why pickleball, badminton, and hiking are this year’s ultimate fitness trends in Malaysia!

Pickleball

Pickleball can be defined as a mishmash of different games: think tennis, badminton, and table tennis served as one. To play the sport, players wield paddles to skillfully hit a lightweight, perforated plastic ball over a 34-inch net. The goal is to rally the ball back and forth until one side misses the return or commits a rule infraction. The sweet twist? There’s a non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, where players are prohibited from hitting the ball in the air (volley) while standing inside the non-volley zone, ensuring room for strategies development! 

The charm of pickleball lies in its versatility. While the rules are relatively simple and easy for beginners to learn, it can instantly turn into a competitive, fast-paced round for more seasoned players. Regardless of your skills, everyone can enjoy the game! 

Pickleball is the go-to game for improving balance, agility, and reflexes, minus the joint strain. The court is easy to set up, be it indoor or outdoor, making it a relish of fun, flexibility and accessibility! 

Badminton

Now, badminton isn’t a new sport so why is it becoming increasingly popular? We personally think our players’ stellar performances in the Olympics 2024 have inspired the nation to bring that competitive spirit to their local courts! 

Everyone was hooked on the screen as our men’s doubles pair fought for the bronze medal at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena. However, their jittery form when they started the playoff cost them the first set with 16-21, and the mission for Malaysia’s first Olympics medal at the time grew bleak.  

Just when it seemed all was lost at 20-16, with Astrup-Rasmussen poised to win, Aaron-Wooi Yik dropped a comeback for the ages. They did not only save FOUR match points to tie at 20-20, but went on to clinch it 22-20, cornering the Denmark pair into a thrilling rubber set. 

The final round was another heart-stopper as Aaron-Wooi Yik, fueled by pure grit, took down the world number two so fiercely they put lions to shame. Defending their 2020 bronze like pros, they left everyone breathless and proved once again they’re a pair you don’t count out till the last point! Their match was pure inspiration, no wonder everyone’s eager to hit the badminton court (and we have yet to ramble on about Lee Zii Jia or Pearly-Thinaah’s sensational performances!) 

Hiking

Moving on to the final sport on our list, let’s talk about a trend that’s hiking up fast, heartbroken souls taking to the trails! It seems like when romance goes downhill, people go uphill. Yes, we’re talking the heartsick, sturdy boots, and picturesque summits! Nature might just be the best therapist ever, looking at how it’s got endless patience, zero judgement, and views that really do help you ‘see the bigger picture.’ 

Whether it’s the challenge of the climb or the calm of the view, hiking has become the perfect prescription for moving on. After all, a steep trail puts things into perspective… if you can conquer that hill, then for sure you can conquer anything, don’t you think?  

And hey, who knows? Somewhere along the trail, you might just leave your troubles behind, heart matters or others, or at least find the strength to tackle them from a whole new angle. 

So, there you have it! We’re digging all these fitness trends, and not to mention, there’s something for everyone! Pickleball is a social game with a competitive edge, badminton lets you channel your inner athlete, and hiking serves as a remedy for the troubled souls by reconnecting with nature. So why not give one, if not all, of these a try? You just might find your new favourite way to stay fit and have a blast! 

Words to learn:

exhilarating – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling

mishmash – a jumble or confused collection of various things

versatility – ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities 

perforated – pierced with a hole or holes

infraction – a violation or infringement of a law or agreement

agility – ability to move quickly and easily

jittery – nervous or unable to relax

clinch – confirm or settle (a contract or bargain)

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.