Padel has taken South Africa by storm. It is a popular sport, which takes some great elements from both tennis and squash and offers a fun and sociable past time for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
Benefits of Padel
Padel converts love the fact that it combines physical fitness with social interaction. Padel is mostly played in doubles, giving participants the opportunity to meet new people and feel like they are part of a community or club. This, in turn, can help to create a good mood and relieve stress. The game is relatively easy for beginners to catch on to (it uses the tennis scoring system, for example), and with a smaller court and the use of walls to play shots, rallies are longer, challenges are satisfying and entertaining.
From a fitness perspective, padel is a fantastic cardiovascular workout together with an opportunity to build strength (namely in the core, upper body and legs) and flexibility (from the need to change direction quickly and responding quickly to shots). Frequent padel playing also increases endurance and stamina.
Injury Risk and Prevention
Like any sport, however, there is a risk of injury when taking on padel. Two common injuries associated with padel are overuse injuries (usually affecting shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles) and collisions with other players or the walls. “The majority of the injuries that I have seen in practice have been to the elbows, mainly on the dominant side, in the form of tennis elbow. I also see wrist injuries from running into walls and calf strains or tears as a result of the explosive movements and lunging associated with Padel,” says Dr Nicola McLean from the Rivonia Chiropractic Clinic.
- Padel requires a reasonable level of fitness, so players should consider any limiting health conditions or physical restrictions before taking on the sport. Advice from your healthcare professional is always recommended before taking on a new sport or exercise regime.
- Try to avoid taking on too much, too soon. You may find that the “addictive” nature of the sport makes you exercise more than you are used to. A sudden increase in padel time could cause injury if you are not already fit and agile.
- As is the case with most sports or training regimes, don’t skip your warm up before a game of padel. Make time to stretch and for some light aerobic activity – this is particularly key if you are new to the sudden movements padel requires of you.
- Massage MYO2 Recovery Gel into your muscles before and after playing padel. MYO2, which contains natural active ingredients Arnica montana and Horse chestnut, will increase blood flow (oxygen) to the muscles. This massage will also encourage the spread of nutrients and the transportation of waste from the tissue, making a huge impact in the speed at which muscles recover.
- The new MYO2 Recovery and Immune Booster drink aims to hydrate the body while repairing muscles damaged during exercise and boosting the immune system, which can also be compromised during an intense game of padel. The zesty, orange-flavoured MYO2 drink is free from caffeine and preservatives and contains Vitamin C and Zinc to boost the immune system; Taurine and L-Glutamine for muscle recovery; and Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium for electrolytes.
Have you given padel a try? The benefits of playing padel might far outweigh any concerns that you may have and the appealing and enjoyable sport might be just what you need for a physical and emotional boost!
Find the refreshing and revitalizing MYO2 Muscle Recovery and Immune Booster drink at the Country Club Johannesburg Woodmead Racquet Pavilion as well as the Kenton Padel Club. Alternatively, order MYO2 online from Makro or UltraLeisureSA.
