For those of you who are new to the sport, you might be wondering what is Padel? And why should I give it a go? Both are great questions, so let’s start by giving you a quick overview of what Padel is.
What is Padel
Fun, fast-paced and exciting to play, Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, always played in doubles. Padel is played in an enclosed area of 20 x 10 metres and can be enjoyed both indoors and outside. If you want a quick overview in under a minute, check out the following video: Why Play Padel.
Why Play Padel
If you’re new to the sport and are considering giving it a go, here are some of the main benefits you can expect when playing Padel.
Physical Health Benefits
Padel is a full-body sport that engages various muscle groups from both the upper and lower body while also improving cardiovascular fitness and overall heart health! Being a health and fitness geek, I recently asked my WHOOP Coach how many calories I burn playing one hour of Padel tennis and received the following response:
“On average, you burn about 500 calories during a 1-hour Padel Tennis session.”
Therefore, if you’re looking to have fun whilst effortlessly earning a couple of post activity beers, this is the sport for you!
Mental Health Benefits
On top of the physical benefits, there are also huge mental benefits associated with playing Padel. Padel increases the body’s production of endorphins, which in turn reduces feelings of stress and anxiety that often accumulate throughout the day. Padel tennis (like all exercise) is also strongly associated with better sleep quality, and better sleep quality and regularity is a strong predictor of longevity. If you want to read more about the benefits of movement and exercise on your mental health, check out the LTA’s article here: Why Movement & Exercise Has a Positive impact On Your Mental Health.
Social Benefits
This brings us on to the third benefit. Given it’s played in doubles, you always have a teammate by your side, making it a great way to enjoy time together with friends, family, and even meet new people! There’s something particularly engaging and thrilling about the fast-paced exchanges and camaraderie that take place on the Padel court.
But, don’t take our word for it! Give Padel a go and let us know your thoughts.
