During the fall, squash is in season. And not just at the Farmer’s Market.

Players of the often overlooked sport just finished competing in the 2011 Women’s US Open at Drexel University in Philadelphia, and they want to share some awesome news: squash is really good for you (on the court, and in your bowl).

How do they know, aside from the obvious evidence offered by their sculpted arms and legs?

In 2003, Forbes created a ranking of the ten healthiest sports—based on an algorithm that took into account calories burned, injury risk, and consultations with fitness experts
—and squash placed first.

And two weeks ago the LA Times took a look at the sport also sung its healthy praises, reporting that it can burn between 600 and 1,000 calories an hour and improve strength, flexibility, and balance. “Squash offers an aerobic workout due to the steady endurance required to sustain a game, but it’s also an anaerobic workout because of moments of high-intensity play,” the Times reported.

Too bad squash doesn’t have the same kind of hot following of spinning or yoga locally (such that Equinox shuttered the Printing House’s beloved courts last fall). But maybe this health news will inspire a New Yorker or two to pick up a racket? 

Does this news inspire you to pick up a squash racket? Tell us in the Comments, below!