How many times a week should I train my CORE if I play padel?

Ideally 3 sessions per week of 15-20 minutes, on alternate days. It's more effective to do a little and often than a lot and rarely. The CORE responds better to regular stimulus than to marathon sessions.

Do pilates or yoga classes work for the padel CORE?

They help, but they don't replace specific rotational CORE training. Pilates does a lot of stability and breathing, but it usually falls short on the loaded rotational component padel demands. Complementing it with the 5 exercises in this article is a good combination.

My lower back hurts after almost every match. Can I keep playing?

It depends on the type of pain. If it's a mild discomfort that eases the next day and there are no red flags, you can keep playing while you work on the CORE in parallel. If the pain persists, intensifies or alarm symptoms appear (pain radiating down the leg, weakness, numbness), stop and get it checked before playing again.

Do lumbar belts or braces help in padel?

As a one-off reinforcement in a critical match, yes. As a long-term preventive strategy, no. A brace does part of the job your CORE should do — and if you always use it, your CORE atrophies further. Use it only in specific cases, not as a substitute for training.

Are hypopressive abdominals good for padel?

Well taught, yes — they work the transverse abdominis and breathing, two key CORE components. The problem is they're taught badly very often. If you're going to do them, do it with a properly trained professional.

Padel CORE: prevent low back pain and injuries