Getting the right amount of exercise can be a tough task. It’s easy if you enjoy it, but if you really hate the gym then nothing is going to make you head down there three times a week. This is why many people take up a sport, so they can do something fun while they exercise.
You might have already tried this, and are convinced sport is not for you, but hold on! There is such a wide variety of options out there that it might simply be that you haven’t found the right one yet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the four sports you should try out right now.
Touch rugby/American football
Lots of people watch these two sports, but would never think about taking them up. They assume that they’d need to be huge and physical in order to get anywhere, or don’t fancy the idea of being tackled. While that’s true for the professional game, the sport can be played with tagging instead of tackling for a different experience.
Plenty of people feel the same way about rugby and American football, so have formed touch teams or even leagues. It’s a great way to get involved in a team sport that’s fun without being painful, and there’s room for everyone from quick sprinters to those who prefer staying back and defending.
Trampolining
Normal exercise classes might not be your cup of tea, but have you tried them on a trampoline? It’s hard to be anything but happy while you’re bouncing up and down, even if you’re in the middle of a tough workout. This is a great way to get your heart pumping while still having a lot of fun.
Trampoline parks have recently been opening all over the country, so there will be plenty of places to choose from, and most of them hold some kind of regular exercise class. If you’d rather, you can always just have a session on your own to get used to bouncing; as well as how tiring it can be!
Bouldering
Rock climbing is an exciting sport, but for many people the idea of being up that high puts them off. However, there is a form of climbing for those with a fear of heights that will give you the same experience: bouldering. This is simply ropeless rock climbing, on much shorter walls.
The idea is not just to get up to the top, but to do so taking certain routes in challenging ways. Most bouldering walls colour-code the handholds so you know which ones you are allowed to use, testing your creativity and problem-solving skills as well as your athleticism.
Dance
You might not think of dancing as a sport, but it is certainly a great way to get some exercise while having fun. What’s more, there are so many different varieties to choose from that you’re bound to find one you like.
You could go for something like salsa or ballroom dancing if you’re looking for something to do with a partner, or opt for something more contemporary if you’d like to be on your own. You can tailor your choice to the music you enjoy or simply pick whichever dance class looks like the most fun; while still giving you a workout, of course.
