You’ve booked your Padel court. You’ve packed your kit. But what else is on the agenda?
Even with a sport as addictive as Padel, it’s not just about the match: it’s also about what you do around it. The right warm-up, recovery or cross-training activity can help improve your performance, reduce the risk of injury and make your time on court feel even better.
From feel-good movement to post-game rituals, these are the activities that pair perfectly with Padel — and why they’re worth adding to your routine.
1. For a feel-good warm-up: A yoga class or dynamic mobility
Padel is fast-paced and reactive, with plenty of quick pivots and shots. That means you shouldn’t skip the warm-up! Focused on mobility, especially through the hips, shoulders and spine, and you should be able to move more freely and reduce your injury risk. A slow flow yoga session or a few dynamic stretches on the gym floor can wake up your body and prep your joints before you step onto the court.
2. For strength and stability: Resistance training
Strong legs, stable knees, mobile shoulders: they all play a role in how you move, strike and recover on court. Resistance training, whether in a class or on the gym floor, helps build the kind of strength that supports agility and power. Focus on functional movements like lunges, rows and rotational work to mirror what your body needs in a Padel match.
3. For recovery: Spa time, sauna or hydrotherapy
After a high-energy game, your body needs a chance to reset — and so does your mind. Swapping your post-match scroll for time in the spa, sauna or hydro pool can support muscle recovery, ease tension and bring your nervous system back into balance. Even ten minutes can help you feel calmer, looser and ready for whatever’s next.
4. For stamina: Low-impact cardio or indoor cycling
Want to stay sharp through long rallies and back-to-back matches? Cardio endurance helps, but that doesn’t have to mean pounding the pavement. Low-impact options like indoor cycling, treadmill intervals or group cardio sessions can give you the aerobic base you need, without straining your joints. Just one or two sessions a week can make a difference to how you feel mid-match.
5. For strategy and focus: Swimming or solo court time
Padel is social and strategic, but balancing it with a more solitary activity can give you time to refocus. A few laps in the pool, some light drills against the wall on a tennis court: any mindful movement on your own can help build mental clarity and fine motor control. It’s your chance to reset, reflect and refine your game without distraction.
6. For the social side: Catching up or a class with friends
Sometimes, the best part of a match is what comes after. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee (or a crisp G&T) with your doubles partner or joining a friend for Pilates, pairing Padel with connection keeps the vibe going. It’s a reminder that movement can be joyful, social and varied — and there’s no need to rush home just because the match is over.
When you become a David Lloyd Clubs member, you don’t just get to play Padel. You get everything you need to move, recover, connect and reset — all under one roof. That’s the power of the perfect pair.
Find a club
