Five indisputable reasons why it’s time for you and your family to start your squash journey now

You may have heard that pickleball was one of the fastest-growing sports during the height of the pandemic. It’s true that pickleball—a mix of tennis, ping pong and badminton—was an ideal sport during the height of social distancing thanks to its large outdoor courts, but the game is typically undemanding. Squash is on the cusp of an explosion in popularity, sitting squarely in the zeitgeist through shows like Queen's Gambit and Inventing Anna. Particularly among younger players, it offers a faster, more engaging pace and thus a more intense workout. Plus, thanks to the close proximity with players on the court and a solid sports community beyond it, squash is just as fun as its fellow racquet sport, if not more so. And, if that doesn’t clinch it, the fact that indoor courts make squash playable all year round will certainly entice New Yorkers who want to keep at it, rain, shine, unbearable heat or freezing snow.

Open Squash prides itself on being inclusive and provides expertise, training and support for those new to the sport in a way that’s approachable and fun—not intimidating or unattainable. With a community of true squash enthusiasts, coaches and members alike enjoy welcoming new players who will learn the game while making lasting friendships. You can’t play squash alone, and you’ll always have a partner at Open Squash.

Squash is known as a fitness accelerator in that those who play will see near-immediate improvements—it’s a full-body workout that burns a ridiculously high number of calories during just a 30-minute session. And because squash involves running, lunging, and leaping for the ball, it’s one of the best sports for both core strength and cardiovascular health. But perhaps the best hidden benefit of squash is the mental boost players get thanks to improved physical and hand-eye coordination which sharpens information processing and strategic focus. As a whole brain exercise, consider squash a very physical version of chess.

Young or old, squash meets its players where they are. That’s why Open Squash actually wants you to show up with your kids. In fact, it’s one of the best places to start a lifelong love of the sport. With coaches who are invested in growing your family’s interest in the game and day camp programs designed exclusively to introduce newer athletes to the fundamentals, and even programs for college-bound kids looking to compete at the next level, the opportunities are endless.

Remember how this isn’t a sport just for uber-rich investment bankers? That’s especially true at Open Squash, which offers sliding-scale membership discounts, junior scholarships and income-based discounts—in addition to its three membership tiers—in order to reach a more diverse socioeconomic crowd. Open Squash is truly for all.