Planet Fitness is stepping onto the court – and we’re bringing you with us! We’ve teamed up with Africa Padel to launch Planet Padel Club, giving you a fresh way to move, compete, and have fun. If you’ve never played padel before, think of it as the love child of tennis and squash: fast, strategic, and ridiculously addictive. And if you’re already a pro? Get ready to sharpen
your skills.
As a Planet Fitness member, you now get 20% off Africa Padel court bookings through Playtomic, making it easier than ever to jump in. First stop? Cape Town on 19 March. Then, we’re heading to Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Umhlanga.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What Is Padel and Why Is Everyone Playing It?
Padel is (still!) having a moment – and for good reason. It’s accessible, social, and built for all skill levels. Played in doubles on an enclosed court, it blends power with finesse, speed with strategy. Whether you’re smashing a lob or setting up the perfect volley, padel keeps you moving in ways that feel natural and instinctive. No wonder it’s continued to be one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
One of the biggest appeals of padel is its learning curve. Unlike traditional racket sports where technical skill can take years to master, padel is beginner-friendly. The enclosed court means fewer long chases for the ball, and the underhand serve removes the barrier of having to perfect a high-powered serve like in tennis. Within your first session, you’ll already be getting into rallies, making plays, and feeling the thrill of a well-placed shot.
And the best part? It’s not just a game; it’s a full-body training session. Padel improves agility, endurance, and strength, activating key muscle groups without the impact of high-intensity sports like running or basketball. Research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that racket sports can enhance cardiovascular fitness and overall longevity. So, yes, your heart will thank you for this one.
The First Serve is Happening at Our Cape Town Launch Event
We’re kicking things off in Cape Town on 19 March at Africa Padel Claremont, and this isn’t just a casual hit-around. The day is designed to get you match-ready with structured training, expert coaching, and the chance to test out different rackets at our demo station.
What to Expect
- A padel-specific warm-up led by Planet Fitness trainers to activate the muscles you’ll need on the court.
- Guided coaching sessions where professional padel instructors will help you fine-tune your technique.
- A racket demo station, so you can find the perfect match for your playing style.
Training for Padel and Why Your Prep Work Matters
Padel may look effortless, but it demands sharp reflexes, quick footwork, and solid core engagement. That’s why structured training plays a key role in getting better at the game. A strong foundation in movement mechanics will help you react faster, reduce injury risk, and keep you feeling light on your feet during a match.
Planet Fitness trainers have designed a padel-focused session that targets the muscles you’ll use most: core stabilisers, legs, and shoulders. Expect dynamic drills, agility work, and functional strength training that directly translates to your performance on the court. Whether you’re sprinting to the net or adjusting for a tricky rebound off the glass, this preparation will make sure you’re ready for anything.
Padel vs. Other Racket Sports: What Sets It Apart?
If you’ve played tennis or squash before, you might be wondering how padel compares. While it borrows elements from both, padel is unique in its own right. Here’s how it stands out:
- The Court
Smaller than a tennis court, with walls that you can use strategically to keep the ball in play.
- The Racket
Shorter and more compact, designed for control rather than power.
- The Serve
Always underhand, making it more accessible to beginners.
- The Pace
Fast, but not overwhelmingly so, allowing for longer rallies and a more engaging playing experience.
Because of these elements, padel is highly inclusive. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy the game, but if you want to level up your skill, there’s plenty of room for progression.
A Movement, Not Just an Event
Planet Padel Club isn’t a one-time thing – it’s a national rollout. After Cape Town, we’re bringing the energy to Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Umhlanga, giving more members across South Africa the chance to experience the game firsthand.
Cape Town – 19 March
Pretoria – 9 April
Johannesburg – 7 May
Umhlanga – 14 May
And if you catch the padel fever, the good news is that Planet Fitness members get 20% off Africa Padel bookings through Playtomic, so you can train, practice, and improve at a discount.
Ready to Play?
This is your sign to try something new. Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the community, or just the thrill of smashing a winning shot, Planet Padel Club is here to get you started. Grab your racket, book your spot, and let’s hit the court.
