In the heart of Michigan, Mike Darga, a 56-year-old public school superintendent, has experienced a life-changing transformation through pickleball. Balancing a demanding career and a sedentary lifestyle, Mike’s journey from weight struggles to becoming an enthusiastic pickleball player offers a powerful perspective to how the sport can reshape lives.
In our interview with Mike, we delve into his remarkable story and discover how pickleball became the catalyst for his wellness journey.
Pre-Pickleball Life: A Sedentary Routine
Before discovering pickleball, Mike’s life was marked by a demanding work schedule and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. “Unfortunately over time, I started living a sedentary lifestyle,” Mike recalls. “Because of my profession, I work a lot of hours per week (50+). My job is not physical; I’m in meetings often, visiting schools and buildings, and spending time attending after-school activities.”
Mike’s exercise routine was sporadic, limited to occasional gym visits or neighborhood walks. Fishing, his primary hobby, fit seamlessly into his sedentary lifestyle. “When you fish, you don’t really move around too much, you just float on the water and cast your line,” he explains. “I sold my boat and no longer fish. I play pickleball!”
The Turning Point: A Wake-Up Call
Mike’s wake-up call came in 2022 when his A1C levels reached a concerning 10.6, signaling severe Type 2 Diabetes. “I knew I needed to make some changes,” Mike admits. “My doctor mentioned insulin, and I did NOT want to start Insulin.” His doctor recommended trying Ozempic with moderate exercise. Mike began walking extensively and making healthier food choices, which led to initial weight loss.
As he began exploring more active options, pickleball caught his attention. “I’d heard about pickleball but didn’t know much about it nor had I ever played a racquet sport,” Mike says. “I was intrigued, so I looked up pickleball courts near me and found a few within several miles of my house.”
Discovering Pickleball: A Game-Changer
Mike started playing pickleball at a local recreation center, where he was welcomed into a supportive community. “On the very first day, I met some great people who are still friends to this day,” he shares. “There was no judgment, just people looking to bond and enjoy an activity that brought us together.”
As Mike’s weight continued to drop, pickleball became central to his fitness routine. “Pickleball is the driving force behind my wellness journey and has played a huge role in my weight loss!” Mike enthuses. “I now play competitively 3-5 days per week, and I take private lessons, group lessons, and participate in tournaments.”
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
Throughout his weight loss journey, Mike faced various challenges, including occasional plateaus and struggles with diet. “Even after playing pickleball for 2-3 hours per session, I would stop off to grab a ‘treat’ from the store,” he confesses. “I remember plateauing with my weight loss for a while, and that was frustrating.”
To stay motivated, Mike shifted his focus from rigid goals to building a sustainable system. “I no longer create ‘goals.’ I focus on the system that would allow me to experience success in a variety of ways: on the court as a pickleball player, on the scale for weight loss, in my food choices and diet, through mental health and a positive spirit,” he explains. “I realize it’s a process and journey, not a check mark.”
Positive Impacts Beyond Weight Loss
The benefits of pickleball extend far beyond weight loss for Mike. “I feel I’m living my best life! I’m living with clarity, confidence, and energy,” he exclaims. “I’m much more positive, balanced, and in tune to who I am and what I want to focus on in life.”
Pickleball has revitalized Mike’s social life as well. “Some of my closest friends are people I’ve met on the pickleball courts,” he notes. “I have a whole new social structure that extends beyond the courts with like-minded individuals who strive to enjoy life through exercise, camaraderie, and competition.”
Mike’s wife, Ria, has also enjoyed the positive changes. “Ria is enjoying my new experiences and friendships,” he says. “She supports my love of the game and watches me play at tournaments. She’s even picked up a pickleball paddle and is wanting to learn the game herself.”
Future Aspirations and Advice
Looking ahead, Mike aspires to compete on the Senior Pro Tour and continue growing as a pickleball player. “To be a Senior Pro Tour Pickleball Player!” he declares. “Outside of my work life, most everything I do revolves around Pickleball in some way.”
Mike is also excited about the future role of pickleball in his life. “It’s a lifelong sport,” he says. “I’ve even thought about going through the rigorous referee training just so I could be available if needed and be a good ambassador of the game.”
For those considering starting pickleball, Mike’s advice is enthusiastic: “I tell people all the time, let’s go! I have extra paddles, I’ll show you. It’s relatively an inexpensive sport to start. You will meet new people and eventually have a whole bunch of friends with the last name Pickleball listed in your cell phone…lol.”
Final Thoughts
Mike Darga’s journey from a sedentary lifestyle to a thriving pickleball player showcases the sport’s profound impact on health and well-being. “Pickleball has given me back my identity outside of my workplace,” he reflects. “It’s given me purpose, confidence, and a new lease on life.” His story is a testament to the transformative power of pickleball, proving that it can be a life-changing activity for anyone willing to embrace its benefits.
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