Though it is more than likely you have already made and/or given up on your New Year’s resolutions, there’s no reason whatsoever you can’t try something new at any time of the year. While going to the gym on a regular basis takes a huge amount of willpower, taking up a new sport is a great way to get into shape while dedicating your time to enjoying the spirit of competition and camaraderie which cannot be beaten.
So in 2017, why not try a new sport and possibly find a new lifelong passion. If you don’t enjoy one, there are plenty more to try your hand at!
Soccer
The world’s most-watched sport is king in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa, but it is still not entirely dominant in North America despite millions of dollars being pumped into Major League Soccer. If the full 11 a side version of the sport looks too intimidating, start with just a couple of friends at the local park. All you need is a ball and a couple of jumpers for goalposts.
If you are looking for a little bit more competition, try taking part in a smaller 5 or 7 a side version of the game. Much more fast paced and with a higher number of goals, you will find yourself getting a lot more touches of the ball. In recent years, this shortened version of the sport has exploded in popularity and centres have sprung up all over the place. Most games are played on artificial grass and are enclosed with wooden boards and wire fencing. Both indoor and outdoor pitches are available. Not only will you have a great time, but you will find that it is a great workout too!
The beauty of soccer is that you get players of all shapes and sizes. It’s a sport that rewards pace, strength, power and skill – though very few players possess all four.
Badminton
A great sport for winter, badminton is usually played indoors although outdoor courts also exist. If you have had any experience with other racquet sports like tennis, this will be a definite advantage though not a necessity by any means. Unlike tennis, you’ll find yourself with much more time to hit the shuttlecock which is designed to hang in the air for longer.
You’ll find that it’s a very accessible sport, and many leisure centres offer a number of courts. Not only that, you only need a couple of you for a game, though the doubles version of the sport is a lot of fun too.
If you have quick reaction times, you will have a good edge when playing this sport which also requires a good tactical brain. Even though the court size is a lot smaller than in tennis, you will still find that it provides a pretty high intensity workout.
Baseball
Okay, so it’s more than likely that you’ve played this one at some point (or at least a version of the sport) but maybe not for a long time. Though it has never really gained widespread appeal outside North America, few can argue that it’s a lot of fun to play even if they don’t enjoy watching it.
To practice the most simple version of the game all you need is a bat, ball and glove. If you are left handed, then there is a lot of equipment available for lefties and you may even find yourself at an advantage as http://www.thebaseballdiamond.com/need-know-left-handed-baseball-gloves/ explains.
You shouldn’t struggle to find a league to compete in as the sport is so popular and there should be a level to meet every standard of player.
Squash
Another racquet sport but one that ratchets up the intensity level by a factor of 10 is squash. It might look like a piece of cake, but on your first time playing this sport, you’ll likely find yourself gasping for air after only a couple of points!
One of the most widely played amateur sports out there, this is another common one at your local leisure centre. Again you just need a partner, a couple of racquets and a ball and you’re ready to go. Though it may look like speed and stamina are the main attributes you need, you’d be surprised how far a good sporting brain will go.
Ping Pong
Ping pong, table tennis, whiff whaff – whatever you choose to call it, this sport is great fun and can be enjoyed by players both young and old. Though it’s not the most physically taxing of games, it’s a great way of building up your hand-eye coordination.
Start off with another beginner and you will have better rallies and more of an opportunity to improve. Over time, you will develop a unique playing style of your own, whether this is relying on spin or going for pure power alone.
If you love the game enough, you may even want to invest in a table for yourself. If you don’t have room indoors, there are a range of all-weather tables that can be stored outside or in your garage.
Running
We’ve talked about different kinds of sport that need a plethora of equipment, but all you need for this one is a good pair of running shoes. If haven’t done much running before, start off small before building yourself up to longer distances. You can then begin to time yourself to try to better your times. A FitBit is a great tool that measures your distance and speed so you can really push yourself. For most people, running presents more of a mental barrier than a physical one. With the right mindset and attitude, you can really surprise yourself!
You can then start competing in some races. A lot of runs attract big crowds, so whether you’re running a 5k or a marathon, you can experience the feeling of getting cheered on to the finish line. There’s nothing like it!
