Going to the gym, taking your daily walks, and even swimming are all marvellous and easy ways to get your body moving. But they’re just missing that bit of oomph that some of you may be looking for. So if you’re trying to find ways to upgrade your exercise game, we’ve got some new sports for you to run with this year.
1. Tag Rugby
Traditional rugby is a great team game but it doesn’t lend itself to people looking to get injured every weekend. Tag rugby is a great alternative for those looking to skip out on the tackling aspect of its parent sport and encourages a beginner-friendly environment, with routes to high-level competitive games. Tag rugby benefits people of all ages, providing a safe and positive outlook on the otherwise seemingly assertive alternative, rugby.
2. Frisbee Golf
This sport may be an anomaly to most but the concept of frisbee golf is a simple one. The sport is similar to traditional golf but instead of using a club and ball, a frisbee is used in its place. The frisbee is thrown into a series of different chain nets from a set ‘tee pad’. The goal is to throw the frisbee in as few throws as possible whilst each throw is ‘tallied’ just as is the case in the rules of golf. Frisbee golf is a great sociable sport that can be played solo but it is far more enjoyable to play as a team.
3. Rock Climbing
No, we’re not expecting you to go scale a mountain or climb a cliff face. It can be as simple as just popping down to your nearest indoor climbing centre to get started with this sport. This sport is brilliant for all age types as there are no expectations. You can set your boundaries, goals and limits depending on your comfort and desire. There is no notion of climbing all the way to the top and no official time limit however the sport allows you to challenge yourself and set those parameters.
4. Kayaking
Kayaking is a great water sport for those looking for a little more adventure and it is great for your upper body, core and coordination. Similar to rock climbing, you can set your pace with kayaking. Whether you’re wanting to go on treacherous waters, kayak as a team competitively or just take a solo trip down a calm relaxing stream, kayaking allows for all of the above and more.
5. Roller skating
Roller skating is definitely a less ‘sporty’ sport but still gets you up and moving nonetheless. There’s no real end goal, just practice and enjoy. It’s a great sport to get sociable with (although can be enjoyed alone). As well as encouraging some healthy socialising, roller skating is easy on the joints, making it a great sport for anybody, of any age, who suffers from slightly weaker joints and wants something that will have little impact. Unless you fall over that is.
6. Badminton
Is tennis a consideration for you but just not quite what you’re looking for in a sport? The solution could be to try out badminton. Badminton is played using a badminton racket and either a plastic or feather shuttlecock. The promotion of blood circulation and lowered blood pressure provides benefits such as improved lung health and healthier heart function.
7. Lawn Bowls
Contrary to tag rugby, lawn bowls is often portrayed as an ‘older person’s sport’. Whilst statistics show that roughly 92% of bowls players are of the age 45 and above, the sport is most definitely not limited to middle-aged and older individuals. The collaborative nature of lawn bowls means that your team working ability is strengthened through the sport. Working in either a pair or part of a small team in this competitive sport allows for exercising your cognitive function.
8. Dodgeball
This one is for those seeking a sport with a more competitive essence. Whilst there are still plenty of regulations to abide by in dodgeball, it certainly does allow for some good old releasing of steam. The concept is in the name of the game – dodge the ball. In addition to the typical health benefits of sports such as weight loss and improved flexibility, dodgeball helps to improve some truly valuable skills including hand-eye coordination, increasing strength and developing quicker reflexes.
9. Surfing
If you fancy a more picturesque sports activity, surfing could be the way to go. Whilst it’s not quite an easy sport and does require plenty of practice and patience, surfing most definitely does feel greatly rewarding. The art of surfing requires you to break many barriers and overcome varying obstacles but in achieving these, you’re enforcing self-discipline and amplifying your mental resilience. Not only is surfing beneficial for your physical health and fitness but it’s also a truly wonderful way of becoming attuned with nature. Because this sport requires you to take to the water, your balance skills will be really put to the test.
10. Water Polo
A lot of the rules and principles carried in basketball translate to water polo, with the biggest differentiating factor being that the sport is played typically in a pool (or any body of water). One of the biggest benefits you get from playing this sport is the incredible impact it has on your core. Because your legs will need to be engaged with paddling, your abdomen becomes the driving power needed for this sport. The twists and turns needed for directing the ball in water polo exercises and strengthens your core immensely.
With the summer looming there is never a better time to take up a new sport or hobby. Whether your intention with a new sports activity is for health reasons or just to socialise, there’s something for everyone.
Remember though, no matter how simple or excruciating the sport, it’s important to ensure that you stay safe whilst practising and stay educated on preventing sports injuries.
