5 reasons you should try Padel (even if you’ve never played before)..
Yes, I am aware I have written about the joys of padel on more than one occasion already, but in case you haven’t noticed, this is a sport I am somewhat evangelical about. I have been playing for a few years now and I do not tell a lie when I tell you it has changed my life.
I have always been aware of the need to remain fit for my family, for my work, to extend mobility and good health long into my retirement years but never really found anything I was happy to do regularly, without finding easy excuses to not bother. Then a friend took me along to padel and I was immediately hooked. It helped that I didn’t lose too badly in fact, I took quite a lot of points, despite not having picked up a tennis racquet since college. Something I was good at, that felt sociable, where my (at the start) reduced level of fitness didn’t matter, and I could easily get into a routine with and was definitely fun.
Whether you’re a lifelong fitness fan or someone who hasn’t picked up a racquet since school, here are five excellent reasons to give Padel a go.
1. It’s so easy to learn
One of the best things about padel is how quickly you can get into it. You don’t need a background in tennis or squash, and there’s no complicated technique to worry about. The enclosed court keeps the ball in play longer, which means plenty of rallies, even for total beginners.
The rules are simple (think tennis scoring with a few squash-like rebounds), and the smaller court means less running around. So from your very first serve, you’ll feel like you’re actually playing the game.
2. It’s very sociable
Padel is almost always played in doubles, which makes it more relaxed and sociable than many other sports. Whether you’re playing with friends, workmates or joining a club match, there’s a lovely sense of being all in it together.
Padel is not an exclusive sport (unlike golf or tennis, for example, which can be hard to and costly to get into) and clubs across South Manchester are finding Padel to be a real community-builder, with post-match coffees or drinks becoming part of the culture. It’s also a brilliant way to meet new people; many clubs run social sessions where partners are rotated, so you’re guaranteed a mix of gameplay and good conversation, so if you’re new in town, or want to extend your social network, it’s a good place to start you already have something in common, after all.
3. It’s great for fitness (but doesn’t feel like exercise)
Padel gives you a full-body workout disguised as fun. The bursts of movement, twists, and turns are fantastic for cardiovascular health, coordination and agility. You’ll find yourself lunging, sprinting and reacting quickly, which tones muscles and burns calories, but you won’t notice how much effort you’re putting in.
Padel is, however, also a low-impact sport, you’re not wielding a long racquet and attempting to smash it past your opponent or throwing yourself across a wide court trying to wallop a return. It’s a lighter, smaller, solid (not stringed) racquet, a smaller ball (with less bounce, so it’s easier to judge and return) and a smaller court. Since taking it up myself I have told many who ask that it’s the perfect middle ground between fitness and play: challenging enough to feel energised, but not so intense it’s intimidating.
4. It’s easy and affordable to try
One reason padel has spread so fast is its accessibility. You don’t need expensive gear or coaching to start. Many venues, such as The Padel Club, at the Trafford Centre, offer ‘pay and play’ sessions or beginner packages, which include equipment hire.
The learning curve is much flatter than tennis, for example, so you’ll quickly feel capable enough to enjoy matches without private lessons. Whether you book a casual hour with friends or sign up for a local league, it’s one of the most affordable ways to add variety to your weekly routine.
5. It’s genuinely fun
At the end of the day, padel’s biggest appeal is just how much everybody enjoys it. There’s a satisfying rhythm to it; quick points, clever angles and light-hearted competition that makes everyone smile. You don’t ever see players throwing their racquet in disgust or arguing about whether the ball was in or out.
Even better, you don’t have to be “good” to have fun. It’s fun right from the first game. Because the ball stays in play and the pace is manageable, beginners and seasoned players can enjoy the same match, so if a Padel fanatic (like me) invites you along to give it a try, say yes and don’t worry about looking foolish – you won’t.
So next time you’re looking for something new to try with friends or a way to shake up your fitness routine, why not try Padel?. You might just discover your new favourite fitness hobby, one that’s social, active and guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.
Eddie – Friday 10th April 2026.