<< Back to Blog

Pickleball, Yoga, and More: The Most Popular Wellness Trends for 55+

Pickleball. You’ve heard the name. Maybe you’ve even seen your neighbors heading out with paddles in hand, laughter following them across the courts. It’s not just a trend, it’s a movement. And at Elements at Viridian, a resort-style 55+ community in Arlington, TX, pickleball is more than a fun pastime. It’s a daily wellness habit, a social connector, and a big reason why residents love the lifestyle here.

This guide will introduce you to the game, help you get started with confidence, and share what makes pickleball and other wellness activities such a hit with residents at Elements, one of the top active adult communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball, it’s an ideal sport for active adults. Games are usually played in doubles, which encourages teamwork, and the smaller court size means less running, making it easier on the joints.

Whether you’re brand-new or already have a few games under your belt, it’s easy to see why pickleball has become the sport of choice in 55+ communities across the country.

How to Get Started with Pickleball in a 55+ Community

New to the game? Here’s how to ease into it:

1. Start with the Right Gear

- Supportive court shoes

- A beginner paddle

- Breathable clothing for Texas weather

2. Join Open Play
Show up during designated hours, introduce yourself,
and you’ll be welcomed by a friendly group of players.

3. Learn the Basics

- Games are played to 11 (win by 2)

- Only the serving team scores

- Serves must be underhand and go diagonally

- The non-volley zone (“kitchen”) prohibits hitting the ball out of the air

4. Listen to Your Body
Warm up, stretch, hydrate, and avoid lunging for risky shots.
Safety comes first! 

Wellness Beyond the Court: Fitness, Bocce, and More at Elements

Pickleball might be a standout, but it’s just one of many wellness opportunities at Elements at Viridian. Residents enjoy a wide range of fitness activities designed to meet the needs of an active adult community.

Bocce Ball: A Classic Outdoor Game

Played beside the beautiful outdoor pool and pickleball courts, bocce is a laid-back game where individuals or teams roll balls to land closest to the target ball. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and perfect for those seeking a low-impact way to stay active and social outdoors.

A Well-Equipped Gym Just for You

The Magnolia Lifestyle Center features a resident-only fitness center designed for 55+ residents. It includes:

- Universal weight machines

- Three treadmills

- Three seated bikes

- Three elliptical machines

It’s the perfect spot for cardio, strength training, or warming up before one of the community’s many group fitness classes.

Group Fitness Built for 55+ Bodies

Fitness instructor Candace Latimer leads a wide variety of group classes that are specifically tailored to support active adults, enhancing strength, balance, flexibility, and energy while being gentle on the joints.

Here’s the full lineup available at Elements at Viridian, each thoughtfully designed for the 55 and over lifestyle:

Pilates

What it is: A full-body workout using bodyweight resistance to tone and strengthen.
Why it’s great: Increases core strength, improves posture, and supports joint-friendly movement.

Tai Chi

What it is: Meditative, slow-flow movement paired with breathing exercises.
Why it’s great: Enhances balance, reduces stress, and boosts concentration and immunity.

Tai Chi / Balance Combo

What it is: Focuses on core, posture, and steady movements.
Why it’s great: Helps prevent falls and builds everyday coordination.

Yoga

What it is: Gentle stretches and poses for flexibility and balance.
Why it’s great: Promotes joint health, relaxation, and body awareness.

Boot Camp

What it is: A mix of strength, agility, and cardio training.
Why it’s great: Scalable intensity for every fitness level, ideal for building strength and endurance.

Strength & Agility

What it is: Light weights with high reps and mobility drills.
Why it’s great: Supports quick movements and functional fitness for daily life.

Strength, Step

What it is: Traditional strength training with step platform use.
Why it’s great: Increases leg strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Step / Strength / Stretch

What it is: 20 minutes of step, 20 minutes of strength training, 20 minutes of stretching.
Why it’s great: Well-rounded movement that improves strength, flexibility, and balance.

Kickboxing / Strength / Stretch

What it is: Cardio kickboxing combined with resistance training and deep stretching.
Why it’s great: Improves coordination, heart health, and full-body tone.

Strength / Balance

What it is: Resistance training with integrated balance movements.
Why it’s great: Builds muscle while enhancing stability and core control.

Stretch Class

What it is: Static stretching with bands, held for 30–60 seconds.
Why it’s great: Increases flexibility, reduces stiffness, and promotes circulation.

Aqua Class 

What it is: Water-based aerobic exercise with resistance tools.
Why it’s great: Gentle on joints while improving cardiovascular health and strength, ideal for those with arthritis or past injuries.

 

Why Wellness Matters More After 55

Staying active after age 55 isn’t just about exercise; it’s about quality of life. According to the CDC, regular movement helps improve:

- Heart health

- Bone density

- Flexibility

- Mental clarity

- Balance and fall prevention

- Sleep and energy levels

In a 55+ community like Elements at Viridian, residents experience all of these benefits while also building friendships, discovering new hobbies, and enjoying every moment of their active adult lifestyle.

Pickleball at Elements: A Game for Everyone

Beverly Black, an enthusiastic resident and player at Elements, says it best:

“Pickleball at Elements has been a great experience. Join us. You’ll meet many friendly, fun, and gracious neighbors. It’s a win-win.”

At Elements at Viridian, the pickleball community is strong and welcoming. Two clubs make it easy for residents to find their match:

• The General Pickleball Club (men and women) hosts open play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Beginners are always welcome.
  
  
• The Women’s Pickleball Club hosts morning sessions in the summer and afternoon play in the winter, perfect for those who prefer daytime matches.
  
  

Open play is also available early mornings on Mondays and Wednesdays, and courts can be reserved for advanced or casual players. Can’t find a spot? Head across the bridge to Storm Park, where additional courts are available.

Pickleball etiquette is an essential part of the culture at Elements:

- Call the score before every serve

- Respect your opponents’ calls (even when there’s a disagreement!)

- Ensure everyone gets a chance to play

 - Prioritize safety over risky moves

Courts close at 10 p.m. to respect neighboring residents. Although games can be competitive, the spirit of Elements is centered around fun, friendship, and fitness.

Discover Wellness Living in Arlington, TX

Located in the heart of the DFW area, Elements at Viridian is a thriving, award-winning 55 and over community offering unmatched access to nature, top-tier amenities, homes for sale from premier builders and an active calendar of fitness and social opportunities.

Ready to embrace a wellness-focused lifestyle? Grab a paddle. Stretch into a yoga pose. Roll a bocce ball under the Texas sun.

At Elements at Virdian, it’s never too late to start living your best life.