| Being outdoors: A 2011 study found that outdoor exercise was associated with greater decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression when compared to indoor activity. And a 2010 study found that even just five minutes of exercise in a green space can improve mood and self-esteem. |  |
 | Intellectually-challenging: Croquet combines the intellectual puzzle-solving of a game like chess with an element of physical activity in which skills such as precision and a soft touch are needed to be successful. |
A fun way to get some mild exercise: Playing croquet is a leisure activity that offers effective yet gentle exercise that is easy on the joints and not strenuous. Players walk 1-2 miles in an average game.
Can be done at any age: The non-strenuous, low-impact nature of the game makes it an activity that can be enjoyed throughout a lifetime. Croquet is low impact (just walking, bending and swinging a roughly two-pound mallet to hit a one-pound, solid plastic ball), yet it can be highly competitive, strategic, and mentally stimulating, with a major social component where you will make many new friends.
Socialize: Playing the game is an excellent way to meet new people. Croquet clubs mix people up and put partners together when doubles are played. Men and women play together on equal terms.
You can play with anyone: Croquet is one of the few sports where you can play with anyone of whatever standard. Physical prowess and athleticism do not make any difference to your ability to play.
There are two principal forms of the game – Association and Golf.
Association Croquet is a game of complex strategy and high levels of skill, and is similar in many ways to games like snooker or pool.
Golf Croquet is quick to learn, but requires accuracy and tactics to master.
Both forms of the game may be played as singles or doubles, and Croquet’s effective handicap system recognises smart thinking as much as physical skill, so everyone has a good chance of winning.