How to stay padel-ready during a month off the court

Taking a break from padel doesn’t mean losing your edge or motivation. With the right mix of fitness routines and padel-inspired exercises, it’s possible to stay physically and mentally prepared for your return to the court. Discover practical strategies to keep your passion for padel alive, even during an extended time away from the game.

Video created by: @Elchiniconsejo

Staying motivated during a four-week break from padel

The creator from El chini consejo shares his experience of coping with a four-week break from padel. For many passionate players, being away from the court can be challenging, both physically and mentally. In this video, the reviewer details his approach to maintaining motivation and keeping the “padel itch” at bay while unable to play.

Early morning routines to start the day strong

The day begins at 5:58 a.m., demonstrating a strong commitment to fitness even when padel isn’t possible. The creator emphasizes the importance of starting the day with movement, opting for a gentle run before sunrise. He describes the conditions as ideal: cool, slightly cloudy, and perfect for summer exercise. This early morning run not only helps maintain physical condition but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Running and dynamic stretching as padel substitutes

To replace the usual padel session, the creator completes a 5–6 km run at a relaxed pace, averaging 5:30–6:00 minutes per kilometer. This steady jog is chosen to warm up the body without overexertion. After the run, he changes shirts and moves on to dynamic stretching, focusing particularly on the legs. These stretches serve as both a cool-down and a way to maintain flexibility, which is crucial for padel players.

Strength training to maintain padel readiness

Unable to access the padel court, the creator shifts focus to the gym for a comprehensive strength session. He spends 1 hour and 45 minutes training, with a significant portion dedicated to leg exercises. This approach helps maintain lower body strength, which is essential for explosive movements and stability on the padel court.

Although filming inside the gym isn’t permitted, the creator highlights that these sessions are a regular part of his routine during breaks from padel. By keeping up with both cardio and strength work, he ensures he’s physically prepared to return to the court when the opportunity arises.

Simulating padel movements outside the court

To truly address the craving for padel, the creator incorporates padel-specific movements into his post-gym routine. He admits that his technique may not be perfect, but the goal is simply to satisfy his urge to play. These exercises are performed two to three times per week after weight training sessions.

Typically, he completes five sets of these movements, sometimes focusing on offensive shots and, on other days, working on defensive skills. This variety helps keep the sessions engaging and ensures different aspects of padel play are maintained, even without access to a court or a ball.

Balancing fitness, family, and daily commitments

The creator’s disciplined approach is evident in his time management. After nearly two hours of training, he ensures he’s home by 8:00 a.m. to prepare breakfast and take his children to school. This balance between personal fitness and family responsibilities is a recurring theme, showing that staying in shape for padel doesn’t have to come at the expense of other important aspects of life.

Key takeaways for padel players facing time away from the court

  • Consistency: Maintaining a regular fitness routine, even when not playing padel, is vital for both physical and mental well-being.
  • Variety: Mixing cardio, strength training, and padel-specific movements helps keep motivation high and skills sharp.
  • Adaptability: Adjusting routines to fit around family and work commitments ensures long-term sustainability.
  • Realism: The creator emphasizes that perfect technique isn’t necessary during these substitute sessions—the main goal is to stay active and connected to the sport.

Final thoughts on overcoming the urge to play padel

El chini consejo’s approach offers a practical blueprint for padel enthusiasts who find themselves unable to play for extended periods. By combining early morning runs, dynamic stretching, strength training, and simulated padel movements, he manages to keep both his body and mind engaged with the sport. This routine not only helps maintain physical readiness but also eases the mental frustration of being away from the court.

For players in similar situations, the key message is clear: stay active, be creative with your training, and remember that every bit of preparation brings you closer to your next game.

Article written by

Practica Padel Team

Practica Padel Team

Specialists in curating insights from padel coaches, professional players, and trusted reviewers. Our goal is to make expert knowledge easy to understand and accessible for every player.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best exercises to maintain padel fitness during a break from the court?

A combination of early morning runs, dynamic stretching, and strength training—especially focusing on leg exercises—helps maintain padel fitness. Simulating padel-specific movements after gym sessions also keeps skills sharp and satisfies the urge to play.

How can I simulate padel movements if I don’t have access to a court?

You can perform padel-specific drills, such as practicing offensive and defensive shot movements, two to three times per week after strength training. Five sets per session, focusing on different aspects of play, can help maintain technique and keep your connection to the sport.

Is it important to maintain a strict schedule while away from padel?

Consistency is key. Starting the day early with exercise and balancing training with family or work commitments ensures you stay motivated and physically prepared, making it easier to return to padel when possible.

What role does strength training play in staying padel-ready?

Strength training, particularly for the legs, is essential for maintaining explosive power and stability on the court. Regular gym sessions during a break help preserve lower body strength, which is crucial for effective padel movement.

Can running replace padel sessions for maintaining fitness?

While running cannot fully replicate the movements of padel, a steady 5–6 km run at a relaxed pace helps maintain cardiovascular fitness and overall conditioning. Combining running with dynamic stretching and strength work offers a well-rounded substitute.

How can I stay motivated when I can’t play padel for several weeks?

Mixing different types of exercise, such as cardio, strength training, and padel-specific drills, keeps routines engaging and motivation high. Setting realistic goals and adapting your schedule to fit daily life helps maintain both mental and physical well-being.

Is perfect technique necessary when practicing padel movements off the court?

Perfect technique isn’t essential during substitute sessions. The main goal is to stay active, keep your body engaged with padel movements, and satisfy your urge to play until you can return to the court.