5 Reasons Why Padel Beats Your Average Workout Class

If you’re tired of the same old HIIT sessions, spin classes, or uninspired treadmill runs, there’s a new sport in town that might just change how you think about exercise. Padel. This fast paced racket sport has been gaining serious traction in the UK, and for good reason. Offering a full-body workout, mental stimulation, and a healthy dose of social connection, padel is quickly becoming the top fitness choice for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Here’s why padel might just be better than your average workout class.

1. A Full-Body Workout Without the Repetition

Unlike the repetitive motions of most workout classes, padel keeps you on constantly engaged. The game demands quick bursts of energy, direction changes, and a range of upper and lower body movements. Whether you’re smashing a forehand or sprinting for a drop shot, you’re working out muscles you didn’t even know you had. It’s a form of functional fitness, with an element of unpredictability that keeps things interesting and your body adapting.

Plus, because the game is so engaging, you don’t even notice how hard you’re working until you’re dripping with sweat and breathing hard. It’s a form of exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise!

2. Your VO2 Max Will Thank You

VO2 max is one of the most reliable indicators of cardiovascular fitness, measuring how efficiently your body uses oxygen during intense exercise. Many gym classes can improve VO2 max, but padel provides a unique edge. The game’s combination of sprints, lateral movements, and fast paced rallies requires constant high-intensity effort.

In just one session, players can cover kilometres of ground in short, sharp bursts. Over time, this repeated sprint style training naturally boosts VO2 max.

3. Boost Your Mental Health While You Play

There’s a reason people feel good after playing padel, and it’s not just the endorphins. Studies show that playing sports with a social component, like padel, can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and combat symptoms of depression. The mental stimulation from staying alert, strategising, and reacting quickly also sharpens your focus and cognitive ability.

Unlike many solo workouts that can feel isolating, padel is inherently interactive. You’re constantly engaging with others, whether you’re encouraging your teammate or sharing a post match drink. That sense of community goes a long way for your overall wellbeing.

4. The Easiest Way to Get Your Daily Steps

Let’s be honest, hitting your 10,000 steps isn’t always easy. But during 90 minutes of padel, it’s not uncommon to smash through that goal. Because of the compact size of the court and the fast nature of the game, you’re constantly moving. Even when you’re not actively rallying, you’re repositioning and preparing for the next shot.

Compared to a standard fitness class where you might spend time waiting for the next exercise or stuck in static holds, padel keeps your feet moving and your heart rate elevated for the majority of the session.

5. Social Fitness That Actually Lasts

One of the biggest reasons people fall off the workout bandwagon is lack of motivation. But padel brings a social element that gym classes often miss. You show up for the workout, but you stay for the friendships.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, padel courts are full of inclusive communities where players cheer each other on, book regular matches, and build relationships beyond the court. This social accountability is a game-changer for consistency and makes it way more likely that you’ll stick to your fitness routine.

Make the Most of Your Padel Game

If you’re thinking about giving padel a go (and we think you should), the right equipment makes a big difference. Our Novor Evolve racket was built with players of all levels in mind—designed for balance, control, and agility. It’s the go-to choice for players who want a racket that works as hard as they do.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the Evolve since launch, selling out multiple times and hearing amazing feedback from players across the UK. If you’re ready to level up your game and want to get moving in a way that feels as good as it looks, check it out while stock lasts.

Managing Director

Ryan Staveley