Padel + Pilates. The perfect match.

If we were to say that padel has a friend in the midst, one that you may have never considered to add to the routine - and vice versa - then what would you say that sport or exercise is?

Sure, tennis would be a natural conclusion. Weightlifting has equal street cred for those who gain muscle but want to improve their explosive power and stamina.

No, it’s not the usual suspects.

In fact, when we told those in the office and our regulars on court just what it was, a few eyebrows were raised.

Yes, as the title suggests, Pilates may be the secret weapon to better performances on court whilst the same could be said for in the studio.

A bit of background...

Developed by Joseph Pilates, the original exercise-based program was all about rehabilitation, he devised a system of using equipment available near bedsides and in rehab centres to get patients back into the field to fight. Pilates collaborated with important figures in dance and physical exercise.

In New York City, he opened a studio with his wife Clara, and together, they refined his method and trained clients. His method gained popularity, particularly among the dance community, for its effectiveness in rehabilitation and prevention of injuries.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is simply a form of exercise that stresses the need for the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility and awareness to support graceful movement. Joseph Pilates believed that mental and physical health were interrelated and that his method, which he called "Contrology," could improve both.

You will have heard of different types of Pilates.

There is mat based Pilates which is the traditional form as pioneered by Joseph Pilates. It is performed on a mat, similar to a yoga mat, and utilises the body's own resistance in exercises. Mat Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness.

Then there is Reformer Pilates which is performed on something called, the Reformer.

The Reformer is a sophisticated system of springs, straps, and pulleys that provides resistance. It has a sliding carriage where you can sit, kneel, stand or lie down to perform exercises.

‘Whatever your chosen sport, Strong Reformer Pilates will compliment your practice. The benefits of Strong Reformer Pilates include strengthening joints, activating core muscles, increasing mobility and building endurance’ said Carrie Fannon, Founder of Studio 34.

Today, Pilates - in both forms - is practised worldwide, and its principles are integrated into the training routines of athletes, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts.

What does this all have to do with Padel?!

If you are someone who plays Padel or practises Pilates, these two very different… workouts – yes, let’s go with workouts - actually complement each other brilliantly.

**Let’s just take the typical Padel player. **

During a game, right-handed players perform practically all their supports with the left side or put differently, they are constantly trying to balance their muscles with the side not hitting. In the volley hit or the tray hit, all the weight moves especially towards that side of the body, which causes a greater overload and an increase in muscle tone. Physiotherapy should be able to relax all this post-effort overload and balance, by means of pilates, both sides of the body.

Pilates not only helps to address these muscular imbalances, it helps to strengthen the muscles which are performing many of the shots through increases in improved core strength and flexibility. This is crucial for effective shots and movements whilst the increased flexibility helps to prevent injuries caused through overstretching and imbalances.

The flipside to all of this is that Padel can be used to complement Pilates.

Padel, which is very well-known for its high-intensity and dynamic cardiovascular workout involving quick changes of direction and bursts of speed, is different to the things felt in a typical Pilates class. Being able to improve cardiovascular health has major benefits in the more controlled and focused nature of Pilates, leading to a well-rounded fitness regimen.

Moreover, the agility and coordination developed in padel can enhance Pilates practice by improving overall body control and movement efficiency.

How can Reformer Pilates specifically improve my Padel experience? Reformer Pilates offers all the benefits of Mat Pilates but adds a level of resistance training that can be adjusted according to the springs' settings. This makes it more versatile and allows for a wider range of exercises, targeting specific muscle groups more effectively.

As it is using the springs to adjust resistance, this limits the possibility of injury and overloading the muscles. Equally, reformer pilates allows for closed chain exercises - another way of saying, targeting muscles and muscle groups with small variations in workouts.

For example, a key component of both Pilates and Padel is the core. From balance to movement, explosive power to stretching, the core is activated throughout a game, countless times in a rally and over a long period of time of playing.

Because the core is responsible for posture, spinal protection and overall stability, you want to have a strong core, generally, plus whilst playing Padel and practising Pilates.

This is where Reformer Pilates can help improve this particular musculo-skeletal function which in turn has a huge impact on your Padel playing experience.

And that’s just one benefit! There are so many associated benefits to general health as well as Pilates improving musculo-skeletal development.

**So, is it worth doing? Well, yes! **

Pilates and Padel have many overall physical and mental benefits and they compliment each other perfectly. One focuses on injury prevention, better physical and musculo-skeletal conditioning and balanced muscles.

The other is about cardiovascular health, power and explosivity.

Both are intent on being low impact, controlled movements and even provide stress relief which is so important in a world where information overload is… well, overload.

At The Padel Club we ensure every member gets an introduction to the sport, a short induction to provide safety and tips to get playing quickly. When you start your journey with us, we want to make sure that you are looked after properly and taken care of.

When you start your Pilates journey you should be looking for the same. You’d be amazed how our top performers, former professional athletes and stars find Reformer Pilates challenging and beneficial.

If you want to learn more about Reformer Pilates or even try your hand, visit Studio34 for more information.