Group session at the new pickleball-based Playkout fitness studio. (Courtesy photos)
Playkout is set to launch its unique ‘phygital’ pickleball fitness studio in Dallas later this summer. This first-of-its-kind studio uses a play-based method that transforms workouts into play by introducing pickleball stations which replace traditional cardio that creates a motivating workout for all skill and fitness levels.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with participation nearly doubling in 2022, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Mixing up the game and fitness is a given. Using p-ball simulators, Playkout delivers a fitness experience that merges group workouts with digital gamification. This makes exercising fun and effective.
The flagship studio will be located at 3501 McKinney Ave. in Uptown.
Playkout was co-founded by former Spotify and Amazon tech leaders Bahigh Acuna and Jorge Guerrero. Acuna is a former leader at Amazon and has history with Spotify, Ancestry and Postmates developments. Guerrero specializes in driving strategy and financial planning across consumer technology, insurance and wellness industries .
Along with a full workout for the body, the brain gets in on the action too. In trials with more than 300 playtesters at Playkout’s lab in Plano, they discovered a 15 percent increase in calorie burn compared to traditional fitness studios. Players felt sharp and focused after because tracking each ball serves as cognitive training for the brain.
“At Playkout, we’re redefining what it means to work out,” Acuna said in a press release. “We believe in the power of motion, seeing that the happiest and healthiest people are those who are constantly moving. However, finding the motivation to move can be a struggle. This led us to create an environment where fitness feels like play. Our goal is to make exercise something people look forward to, not a chore. We take the ‘work’ out of ‘workout’ and replace it with play, which is the essence of the Playkout brand.”
And why play without air conditioning if you don’t have to? Playkout’s simulators are indoors in a climate-controlled space, allowing for year-round play regardless of the weather.
“This is a place where people rediscover the joy of fitness,” Guerrero said in the release. “We created a fitness experience that blends pickleball, technology, and strength trainingto deliver workouts that are both fun and effective. Not only does it yield fitness results, but it also enhances skill development for those looking to improve their game. Even if you’re not a pickleball player, this is the most enjoyable workout you will encounter because engaging with a ball is a universal joy that has united communities for centuries.”
In addition to Playkout’s group fitness sessions, guests can book stand-alone simulator sessions. These can be used to practice and improve your game alone, with a coach, or for some friendly competition.
Playkout offers simulator booking credits, fitness session packages and memberships. During its launch, a lifetime discount on membership prices will be assigned to a limited number of inaugural memberships.
Learn more about the new fitness studio on the Dallas landscape here. The studio is currently in soft opening with an official opening to be announced.
–Rich Lopez