For those who want to test out their racquetball skills or just make new friends while keeping fit, the JCC will give them a new opportunity.
The JCC will begin hosting a racquetball league beginning the second week of May for beginners and seasoned players alike. After the Ike and Bruce Gumer Invitational Racquetball Tournament in November, members began showing interest in bringing back a league, said Ryan Perryman, trainer and coordinator of the league.
The league will run for eight weeks, plus a tournament. There will be a Novice (beginners) division and an Open (competitive) division, so everyone can enjoy league-play. The league is open to women and men 18 and older. Perryman will organize the pairings, and individual players will arrange game times on their own so that schedules can be accommodated.
Racquetball can burn as many as 794 calories per hour, depending on the level of intensity. The U.S. Racquetball Association website says racquetball works every muscle group, and that a one-hour game requires a player to run a distance of more than two miles, so playing racquetball regularly will decrease body fat levels and help maintain healthy weight.
The JCC’s league will continue as long as there’s interest, Perryman said. He plans to have three leagues a year, but if enough players want it, the leagues will continue year-round.
Cost is $60, $40 for members. Equipment, such as rackets, balls and eye protection can be brought by players or borrowed from the JCC Health & Wellness desk.
There will be a rules meeting on April 27 at 6 p.m.
Sign up at the Health & Wellness Desk or by calling 238-2727.