According to a recent Forbes article, squash is the world's healthiest sport. It provides a tremendous workout that can burn as many as 1000 calories per hour while being relatively safe, inexpensive, and easy to learn. Most beginners may be hesitant when thinking about purchasing their first squash racquet. If you follow this easy guide, your purchase of a squash racquet can be painless!

First, determine a weight that is comfortable for you. The average racquet weighs between 140 and 170 grams. Most players prefer a racquet that is evenly balanced and mid-weight. Lightweight racquets are more maneuverable and they tend to be prefered by more experienced players with an aggressive style. Racquets can be classified as either head-heavy or head-light, depending on whether the racquet feels relatively heavy or light when held by the handle. A head-weighted build can compensate for lightweight racquets that require more force to deliver powerful shots. In particular, younger players and beginners tend to use head-weighted racquets to compensate for less powerful shots. A heavier racquet can also provide for more powerful shots but they are more cumbersome than their lighter brethren.

Racquets with a narrower profile are easier to maneuver (and tend to be lighter) but they allow for less sweet spots. On the contrary, a wider profile offers more power and bigger sweet spots.

A stiffer racquet will not be as flexible as one with more 'whip.' Greater flexibility allows for more maneuverability and the opportunity to play shots in tighter situations. The stiff racquet will allow for more powerful shots, however.

The string of a racquet can be adjusted to provide for a more personal experience. String tension is important with 28 pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) the average. More tension will allow for more touch whereas less will allow for more power. Once the string on a racquet begins to fray, you will want to restring it for better performance.

When choosing a racquet, keep the above considerations in mind. The differences in racquets on the market will allow you to adopt one that fits your particular style. There is a trade-off between power and manueverability, so determine which is more important to your game. In the end, you want a racquet that feels good in your hand and that you can enjoy playing with. Afterall, squash should be fun!