How Padel Helped Me Smash My Midlife Crisis

I never imagined I’d be strapping on trainers and swinging a racket again in my 50s. Honestly? I thought that chapter had closed. The kids were grown, my career had hit cruise control, and the mirror had started to reflect someone I barely recognized—tired, stuck, and a little lost.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I was having a midlife crisis. Not the dramatic kind with sports cars and bold haircuts, but the quiet kind that creeps in when life feels too routine and your spark fades.

That’s when I discovered padel.

Why Padel Resonates with Midlife Women

Padel (pronounced PAH-del) is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court with walls, it’s easy to learn and incredibly social.

The sport originated in Mexico but has exploded across Europe and Latin America—and now it’s catching fire in the U.S., especially among women over 40. In fact, the American Padel Federation  reported a 40% increase in U.S. women players aged 40+ between 2022 and 2024.

Padel is surprisingly easy to pick up. My friend Janet had started playing at our local club. “You’d love it,” she said, eyes glowing with energy I hadn’t seen in years. I brushed it off at first. “I’m too old,” I told her. “And I haven’t played anything since school.”

But she didn’t give up. Eventually, I gave in and went to a beginner session with her—just to watch. Ten minutes in, I was on the court with a borrowed racket and a nervous smile. Sixty minutes later, I was sweating, laughing, and more alive than I’d felt in ages.

I learned quickly that it’s not just about the game—it’s about what the game gives back. My heart rate went up, yes. But so did my confidence. After a few weeks, I noticed muscles I hadn’t seen in years. My stamina improved. My jeans fit better. But more than that, I felt sharper, happier and lighter.

The Top Reasons For Playing Padel in Midlife

Several factors make padel particularly appealing to midlife women. From its accessibility to its physical benefits (a 60-minute match can burn over 400 calories while improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone, balance, coordination, and agility), the sport offers a compelling blend of ease and effectiveness.

The smaller court and strategic nature of the game make it easier to learn, even for those without prior sports experience. In fact, a survey by the International Padel Federation found that 74% of female players highlighted the sport’s easy learning curve as a key reason for taking it up.

Additionally, padel provides a full-body workout while being gentler on the joints compared to higher-impact sports. According to the European Padel Association, the risk of injury is 40% lower than in tennis, making it a safer yet equally engaging option.

But what surprised me the most was how social it is. Padel is always played in pairs, and I started meeting other women like me—50s, 60s, some older. Widows, retirees, empty nesters, women looking for something new. We laughed through missed shots, cheered each other on, and stayed for coffee after every match.

One woman told me she hadn’t left the house regularly in two years. Another had just retired and was feeling useless. On that court, we weren’t any of those things. We were quick-footed, cheeky, powerful—and deeply connected.

It wasn’t long before we signed up for a local “First for Fifties” tournament organized by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) which here in the UK encourage women to join without pressure or intimidation.

We didn’t win, but we didn’t care. We showed up. We played. We belonged.

My Midlife Crisis? Padel Made It Disappear

I won’t lie—there are still days when I feel off. Hormones, life stuff, all of it. But padel has become my therapy. It’s the one hour where I’m not someone’s mum, or wife, or colleague—I’m just me. 

Even my doctor noticed. At my last checkup, my blood pressure was down. My resting heart rate was better. And I told him I’d joined a padel club. He smiled. “Keep doing whatever you’re doing,” he said. “It’s clearly working.”

If you’re considering picking up a racket, I encourage you to start by finding a local club—many cities now have padel courts, and websites like Playtomic can help you locate one nearby.

Once you’ve found a spot, consider joining a beginner’s class, as many clubs offer sessions specifically designed for newcomers. You don’t need to invest heavily at the start; just wear comfortable sportswear and proper court shoes. Most clubs provide rental rackets, so you can get a feel for the game before buying your own gear.

Remember, it’s never too late. I started at 54. One woman in our group is 68 and plays three times a week. I went looking for a way to get fit. What I found was joy, friendship, challenge, and a whole new chapter I never expected. Padel didn’t just give me a sport. It gave me back my spark.

So, what are you waiting for—ready to step onto the court and give padel a try?