Squash is a blast -- and a workout

When you hear the word squash what do you immediately think of? The yellow vegetable that you did not like as a kid, but find somewhat appetizing now or do you think of squashing a bug that you see crawling across your kitchen floor? Well squashing a bug is closer to the game of squash then the vegetable is. In this game, however, there is no bug being squashed, but rather a soft ball the size of a golf ball.

Squash is a cerebral racquet sport that was previously called racquet squash in "reference" to the squashable soft balls that have different colored dots to indicate different levels of bounciness.

"I started playing squash in school due to it being a very popular sport in Pakistan," says Imran Nasir who is the Head Squash Professional at Lakeshore Athletic Club as well as one of the main organizers for the Sweet Home Chicago Open held this month in downtown Chicago.

From Pakistan, Nasir then played in England and now calls Chicago his home. He has won the Illinois State Championship several times, not to mention leading Chicago to the U.S. National Championship in 1998, which was the first and last time Chicago has ever won that title.

"This is the first time a squash court is being set outside in North America," Nasir said. "Two main objectives for wanting the tournament here is not only do we want to showcase squash in Chicago but we also want to trademark Chicago as an international city in hopes of bringing the 2016 Olympics here."

Squash is one of the seven new sports in the running to be in the 2016 Olympics.

Squash is similar to the game of racquetball, but the rally's are longer and unlike racquetball there is a metal tin against the wall that if hit, causes you to lose points.

"Squash is physically harder then racquetball," Nasir said. "You burn 1,000 calories per hour and within 45 minutes you have received a better workout than any other activity." he says. "It is very addictive, competitive and anaerobic."

In the game of squash, you are constantly turning, twisting and lunging. It is a very intense workout and it helps if you have had some experience in eye-hand coordination sports whether it be tennis, baseball, basketball or golf.

Most people out there have played some kind of eye-hand coordination sport in their lifetime and even if you haven't, go out and try your hand at squash anyway. Just remember to keep your eye on the ball!

"I have had people take lessons and come back weeks later saying they are so in shape and didn't even feel like they worked," Nasir said. "It's because they are having fun the whole time that it doesn't feel like a workout" he added.

The Sweet Home Chicago open will make debut Sept. 9-15. Not only will there be professional play, which will be held at the Pioneer Plaza in an outdoor court that overlooks the Chicago River, but there will also be amateur play at the Lakeshore Athletic Club and the University Club with the finals being held at the same court the professionals will be making history. They will also be offering clinics for youths.

Some of the professionals who will be making their way to Chicago for this event include British Open champion David Palmer and World Open champion John White. Canadian born Jonathan Power, who is a two-time world champion, will be featured in the exhibition that consists of two professionals playing each other just to demonstrate how the game is played.

"When I started at Lakeshore Athletic Club, there were 10 squash players and now there are over 350," says Nasir who has been playing the game professionally for 20 years. "Not only is it a high-intensity game more so then running, but it also helps build camaraderie and builds long-lasting relationships."

The Sweet Home Chicago Open is free for anyone to come watch. Event times and additional information are available at sweethomechicagoopen.com.

Squash is a sport that is known for its Ivy League status and is making its way around the city and suburbs rapidly. Several park districts and health clubs throughout the suburbs offer classes and courts for squash.

Go ahead throw on some shorts, a T-shirt, put on a sweatband and take a lesson, and who knows, maybe we will be seeing you at the next professional tournament!