This is the healthiest sport in the world

Healthy healthy, well, that's certainly debatable. Exercising is of course super good for you. But when you add up all the facets, one really stands out and head and shoulders above the rest. It is… padel. And this is why.

Padel is incredibly fun – and that's really where it all starts. It's not only a good workout but also the perfect social activity.

For a few years now, so many Dutch people have become fans of padel. Last year, over 350.000 people played a match every month. That's an 18 % growth in one year! And the courts are popping up just as fast. Worldwide, it is even the fastest-growing sport at the moment.

But besides being extremely popular, padel is also extremely healthy. When you look at the mix of longer life, a fit body, a sharp mind, and social fun, no other sport scores as high.

1. Padel is mega addictive fun (and very accessible)

Thanks to the smaller court, the glass walls, and the underhand stroke, you quickly have long rallies. And that's so much fun. The technique is really simpler than tennis, and the game is much more dynamic. The best part: you can use the glass back wall. This makes padel feel like a perfect mix of tennis and squash. It's fast, playful, and strategic. No wonder it seems like everyone is playing padel now.

2. Hard facts: racket sports players really live longer

Multiple studies show that people who play a racket sport 47 % less likely to die prematurely than non-sporters. A Danish study even mentions an average increase of 9.7 years of life for those who regularly play tennis, squash, or padel.

3. A full-body workout without wrecking your joints

During matches, as a padel player, you sit around 40-50 % of your maximum oxygen uptake and heart rate zones that correspond to a solid HIIT session, but with less impact than running. And, playing on the cushioning artificial grass is much better against injuries, and due to the smaller court, the strain on your knees and ankles is really much lower than in many other ball sports.

4. Mega workout for your brain

Yes, I could also use this one. Because every ball exchange requires split-second decisions, positioning (one mainly stands behind and one in front at the net), and of course communication with your partner (are you taking this ball or am I). Research links racket sports to better memory, cognitive sharpness, and stress reduction. So, padel is chess, sprint, and social talk all in one.

5. Super social is super healthy

You actually play padel for 99% in doubles, which automatically gives your circle of acquaintances (and maybe later even your circle of friends) a mega boost. Because everyone brings people along for a game of padel. App groups grow so fast. And this makes the social aspect, the connection a proven ‘blue-zone factor’ for a more fun, sociable, longer, sportier, happier life.

6. Comparison: padel vs. other sports

When you compare padel with other sports, you see that it scores high in cardio, strength training, cognitive, and injury risk. More than, for example, running, football, or cycling. Hence the title ‘healthiest sport in the world’.

Bottom line

So. What are you waiting for? If I can do it, anyone can. This sport is so much fun, indoors or outdoors. The perfect outing for friends or partners. But also for young and old, it is really accessible.

Source: Usta Southern California | Image: @carodaur