As I watch the professional basketball world grapple with the disturbing news of RJ Abarrientos receiving death threats after Barangay Ginebra's recent playoff loss, I'm reminded why I've always found sanctuary in badminton. The recent incident where Abarrientos faced such extreme reactions following a 108-104 defeat to Meralco highlights how intense professional sports can become, and it makes me appreciate the beautiful balance that badminton strikes between competitive spirit and personal wellbeing. Having played both casual and competitive badminton for over fifteen years, I've come to see it not just as a sport but as the perfect fitness activity that combines physical challenge with mental peace.
The first thing that strikes me about badminton is its incredible cardiovascular benefits. Unlike many sports that might push you to physical extremes, badminton provides a fantastic workout that burns approximately 450-550 calories per hour for someone of average weight. I remember tracking my heart rate during intense rallies and consistently hitting between 140-160 beats per minute, which falls perfectly within the optimal fat-burning zone. What's remarkable is how the sport naturally incorporates interval training - those brief pauses between points and games allow for recovery moments that make the high-intensity bursts sustainable and effective. The constant movement, sudden direction changes, and explosive jumps create a cardiovascular workout that feels more like an exciting game than exercise, which is why I've stuck with it while abandoning countless gym memberships.
Beyond the physical benefits, the mental aspect of badminton is what truly captivates me. Watching professional athletes like Abarrientos face extreme pressure situations makes me appreciate the mental sanctuary that recreational badminton provides. The sport demands intense focus and strategic thinking - you're constantly reading your opponent's movements, anticipating shots, and planning your next move while maintaining precise technique. This complete mental immersion creates what psychologists call a "flow state," where you're so absorbed in the activity that everyday stresses simply fade away. I've personally found that after an hour of badminton, not only has my body gotten a thorough workout, but my mind feels refreshed and clear in ways that meditation alone never achieved.
The accessibility of badminton is another factor that makes it exceptional. Unlike many sports that require expensive equipment or specialized facilities, you can play badminton almost anywhere with a modest investment. A decent racket costs between $50-$150, and shuttlecocks, while they need regular replacement, are relatively affordable. I've played in community centers, outdoor parks with makeshift nets, and professional courts - each offering its own unique experience. The sport's adaptability means people of virtually any age or fitness level can participate. I've witnessed multi-generational games where grandparents play alongside grandchildren, something rarely seen in more physically demanding sports. This inclusivity creates a social dimension that enhances the overall experience, turning exercise into a community-building activity rather than a solitary pursuit.
What many people underestimate about badminton is its full-body engagement. While it might appear to be primarily an arm sport, proper technique engages your legs in constant movement, your core for stability and power generation, and even your non-dominant arm for balance. The variety of shots - from powerful smashes that can exceed 200 miles per hour in professional play to delicate net shots that require feather-like touch - means your body is constantly adapting and developing diverse muscle groups. I've noticed significant improvements in my reflexes, coordination, and overall body awareness since taking up the sport seriously. The dynamic nature of play means you're never performing repetitive motions for extended periods, reducing the risk of overuse injuries common in activities like running or weight training.
The competitive aspect of badminton provides just enough thrill without the overwhelming pressure that professional athletes like those in the PBA face. While I enjoy keeping score and challenging myself against better players, the culture surrounding recreational badminton remains remarkably positive and supportive. Unlike the high-stakes environment that led to death threats against Abarrientos, the badminton community I've experienced focuses on improvement, sportsmanship, and mutual enjoyment. This balanced competitive spirit makes it easier to maintain consistent participation - you get the motivation that comes from competition without the potential negative psychological impacts of ultra-high-stakes environments.
Another aspect I particularly appreciate is how badminton develops mental resilience and strategic thinking. Each match becomes a dynamic puzzle where you must constantly adapt your tactics based on your opponent's strengths, weaknesses, and current form. This mental engagement goes beyond simple physical exertion, creating a holistic workout that challenges both body and mind. The rapid decision-making required during rallies - often split-second choices about shot selection, positioning, and anticipation - sharpens cognitive functions in ways that translate to improved mental clarity in daily life. I've found that the strategic thinking developed on the badminton court has helped me approach professional challenges with greater creativity and adaptability.
The social benefits of badminton cannot be overstated. Unlike solitary fitness activities, badminton naturally fosters connection and camaraderie. Whether playing doubles and developing seamless coordination with a partner or meeting regular playing companions who become friends, the sport creates social bonds that enhance motivation and enjoyment. I've formed lasting friendships through badminton that extend beyond the court, creating a support network that encourages consistent participation. This social dimension transforms exercise from a chore into an anticipated social event, addressing the common struggle of maintaining workout consistency that many people face with solitary fitness routines.
Looking at the bigger picture, badminton represents what sports should be about - personal growth, health, and enjoyment, rather than the extreme pressures that can lead to situations like the death threats against RJ Abarrientos. The sport has given me not just physical fitness but mental clarity, social connections, and a sustainable exercise habit that has endured where others have failed. Its unique combination of physical intensity, mental engagement, accessibility, and social interaction creates a perfect storm of benefits that few other activities can match. As we witness the challenges facing professional athletes in high-pressure environments, the value of sports like badminton that prioritize personal wellbeing alongside physical achievement becomes increasingly clear. For anyone seeking a fitness activity that engages the whole person while remaining enjoyable and sustainable long-term, I can't recommend badminton highly enough.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
