Winter Play
The idea of playing any sport in winter can be a bit overwhelming, unless you love your rugby which always feels like you’re playing in winter anyway. Snow sports are great for those that enjoy flying down mountains on pieces of fiberglass but then again, how many of us have access or the knowledge to go skiing or snowboarding?
Yes, playing sport in winter can be hard for a variety of reasons.
Dark mornings, darker nights, rain, snow, hail and all other weather conditions that we may not consider… But then, playing a sport, as science has shown, has incredible health and mental benefits.
By releasing endorphins and reducing cortisol and adrenaline, science has shown that 20 to 30 minutes of solid activity per day can reduce stress and stress related illnesses which are making up nearly 75% of GP visits in the last year alone.
From long term studies which have shown that playing sports helps to improve general mood to research that clearly indicates a link between better mental better mental health than those who exercised alone, like walking or working out at the gym, we understand how important it is to find a sport that balances social with fun and competitiveness.
For example, we found a study of teenage athletes who played individual sports were more likely to report experiencing anxiety and depression. This may be because those in team sports often play for fun. Individual sports don’t require another person to compete together and may make the athlete experience more stress than enjoyment.
So what is the solution to finding a sport that combines a social aspect yet equally is as enjoyable in the winter as it otherwise would be in the spring and summer months? Padel.
Padel really can help provide those physical and mental benefits we are striving for in the winter months. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider Padel this winter.
Low-impact and easy on the joints: Padel is a low-impact sport that puts less stress on the joints than more high-impact activities like running or jumping. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, the low impact nature of the sport is ideal to ensure that you prevent injury whilst participating. This also makes it an ideal option for people of all ages, especially for those who may be recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic joint pain.
Good cardiovascular workout: Padel is an excellent cardiovascular workout that gets your heart rate up and helps to improve your overall fitness level. The fast-paced nature of the game and the need to move quickly and change direction frequently mean that players will burn a lot of calories and stay in shape.
Combining gym work with Padel has been shown to not only strengthen your cardiovascular system but also help to build functional muscle that improves your ability to play the game and perform other daily tasks.
- Social and fun: Padel is a social sport that's perfect for playing with friends or family members. The small court size means that the game is always fast-paced and exciting, making it a fun and engaging way to spend a winter afternoon.
It’s also a great way to make new friends and to build new social circles. A study from 2019 showed “social activities centered around sports are 4x more likely to build friendships as they bring people together with shared interests.”
- Suitable for all level of players: Padel is a sport that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. It's easy to learn the basics and start playing, but there's also room for advanced players to develop their skills and strategies.
Naturally there are things that you need to consider when playing in winter and in open courts, these include the following;
Wear layers: When you get to the court, you don’t know how the weather can turn and if you will feel warm or cold between points. That’s why layers are essential. A base layer with a t-shirt over the top is suitable for play, whilst a hoodie or a thin layer over the top to get warmed up is what we would recommend.
Check weather reports: It seems obvious and yes, at The Padel Club whilst we are full nearly 95% of the time, the weather can bear an impact. If you don’t want to play in the heaving rain on our open courts - closed courts coming soon - look for slots when there is a break in the weather.
Thanks to our state-of-the-art courts, we have incredible draining and the play on court even after a downpour is exceptional.
Wear good trainers: This is an all year tip! Good trainers means that they should have good grip and allow you to move easily across the court.
Make sure that you warm up. An effective warm up will engage those muscles and joints, by taking them through the movements you will be doing in the match. This will help to prevent injuries to muscles and joints.
Overall, padel is a fantastic option for anyone looking to stay active and healthy during the winter months. Its combination of outdoor and indoor courts, low-impact nature, cardiovascular benefits, social atmosphere, and suitability for all skill levels make it a great choice for players of all ages and abilities. So next time you're looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active this winter, give Padel a try!
