I’ll be honest. When the opportunity came up to join one of our Smash Padel sessions, I was nervous.
Not because I had anything against sport, but because I’m not particularly sporty. Like many people working in the charity sector, my days are usually spent sitting in meetings, writing funding applications, solving problems and trying to keep lots of different plates spinning at once. Finding time for exercise often feels impossible.
I was also nervous for another reason.
I experience social anxiety and, if I’m honest, activities where I feel on show can be quite daunting. The thought of standing on a court, not knowing what I was doing, making mistakes and feeling like everyone was watching was enough to make me wonder whether I should quietly say no.
As it turned out, I could not have been more wrong.
I was lucky enough to take part because a couple of our regular attendees were unable to attend this week’s session, and from the moment we arrived at Smash Padel Whitstable, the atmosphere was welcoming, relaxed and completely free from judgement.
Much of that was down to Marianne, our instructor.
She was patient, encouraging and great fun. Nothing felt rushed or pressured. She demonstrated everything clearly, broke skills down into manageable steps and gave us plenty of time to practise. We started with simple ball control exercises before moving on to skill-based activities and, eventually, a short game together at the end of the session.
What struck me most was how quickly the nervousness disappeared. Nobody was trying to be the next Wimbledon champion. People were laughing, encouraging one another and enjoying themselves. The small group size meant everyone received support and had the opportunity to build confidence at their own pace. By the end of the session I realised something else – I had exercised far more than I thought I had and it felt good!
I was moving constantly, concentrating, laughing and completely absorbed in what I was doing. Unlike some forms of exercise, it never felt repetitive or laborious. Before I knew it, the session was over and I had genuinely enjoyed myself.
As someone who spends much of their time encouraging others to prioritise their wellbeing, it was a timely reminder that movement doesn’t have to mean gyms, fitness targets or intense workouts. Sometimes it can simply mean trying something new, having fun and spending time with other people. That social element is one of the things that makes padel so appealing.
Padel is designed to be played with others, making it a naturally sociable activity. Whether you arrive with friends or meet new people through sessions, it creates opportunities for connection alongside physical activity. For many people, particularly those experiencing loneliness, anxiety or reduced confidence, that combination can be incredibly valuable.
Research consistently shows that physical activity can improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, increase confidence and support overall mental wellbeing. When exercise is combined with social connection, the benefits can be even greater.
This six-week programme is currently being delivered as a pilot partnership between Revival and Smash Padel, and we are hopeful that future funding will allow us to continue providing opportunities like this for our community.
If my experience is anything to go by, you don’t need to be sporty, competitive or experienced to give it a try. You just need to be willing to walk through the door.
To find out more about Smash Padel Whitstable, visit their website and explore their beginner sessions, coaching opportunities and social games. It might just surprise you how much fun you have.
Interested in trying Padel?
Smash Padel Whitstable offers beginner sessions, coaching, social games and court hire in a welcoming and supportive environment.
And if you’re interested in future wellbeing activities through Revival, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates
