Alia Bhatt has a new fitness favourite and it’s not Pilates, yoga or strength training. The actor has been spending time on the padel court, sharing glimpses of her game and making the fast-growing racket
sport part of her regular routine.
Padel has been gaining popularity worldwide, especially among people looking for a fun, social and effective way to stay active. But what exactly is it and does it really offer meaningful health benefits?
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls and metal fencing. Players use solid rackets (without strings) and a ball similar to a tennis ball.
One of the main differences from tennis is that the ball can bounce off the glass walls during play, similar to squash, which makes rallies longer and the game more strategic. The underarm serve and smaller court also make padel easier to learn than tennis, even for beginners.
This mix of accessibility, movement and social play is a big reason why celebrities, including Alia, are getting hooked.
Why Is Padel Considered A Good Workout?
Padel is not just recreational. Research suggests it can offer a range of physical and mental health benefits.
A 2022 review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights several advantages of playing padel regularly:
- Improves cardiovascular health and overall endurance
- Builds strength and supports muscle conditioning
- Helps with weight management and boosts metabolism
- Enhances agility, coordination and reaction time
- Supports brain health and cognitive function
- Suitable for different ages and fitness levels
Because the sport involves quick movements, direction changes and constant engagement, it provides both aerobic and neuromuscular training. In simple terms, you work your heart, muscles and reflexes at the same time.
Is Padel Safe To Play?
Like any physical activity, padel does carry some risk of injury, especially if played frequently or without proper preparation.
Common issues reported include:
- Tennis elbow
- Lower limb strain or injury
- Muscle fatigue from sudden movements
Experts recommend warming up, stretching and doing strengthening exercises to reduce injury risk. Wearing supportive footwear and learning proper technique also helps.
Padel is growing quickly because it feels less intimidating than tennis but still delivers a strong workout. It’s social, fast-paced and engaging, which makes people more likely to stick with it long term. For many, including Alia Bhatt, that combination of fun and fitness is exactly what makes it appealing.
