Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 day ago
A writer tries padel as a new hobby and cardio workout
A Men's Health editor tried padel as a way to add cardio and a hobby to his life.
Padel is a doubles racket sport played on a court about three-quarters the size of a tennis court, with glass walls at the back.
The editor says it combines elements of tennis, racquetball and squash, with players moving quickly to chase the ball.
He found the game physically demanding and was sweating within minutes of starting.
The piece says cardio and hobbies are linked to better physical and mental health, though it gives no specific research details here.
Tennis involves both sustained movement and short bursts of power, and the piece notes that both forms of exercise can benefit cardiovascular health.
It does not say what the editor plans to do next.
A Men’s Health writer says padel may help him address his goals of getting more cardio and finding a hobby.
He describes padel as a fast-moving sport that combines elements of tennis, racquetball and squash.
The writer says he played for two hours on an indoor court and came away sweaty, sore and exuberant.
Padel is played in doubles on a court about three-quarters the area of a tennis court, with glass walls at the back.
- Who
- A Men’s Health writer and editorial director, whose name is not stated.
- What
- He tries padel as a hobby and a way to get more cardio.
- When
- He discovered padel last year; the article was published on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- On an indoor court; the location is not stated.
- Why
- He wanted to do more cardio and find a hobby, which he says are linked to better physical and mental health outcomes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The writer discovered padel on a cold winter’s night and played for two hours on an indoor court.
Men’s Health published the writer’s column about trying padel.
- Sport
- Padel
- Game duration
- Two hours
- Court size
- About three-quarters the area of a tennis court
- Format
- Doubles
- Article publication
- November 7, 2026
What people are saying
I’m fine with woulds and coulds and their vague promise of actionability, but when you get into shoulds, you get hung up on stuff like guilt and doubt and all kinds of second-guessing.
And I think I’ve found a solution in one of the fastest-growing sports in America.
Sprint, stop, swing, pivot, repeat.