Whether you’re a sports fanatic who just fell out of practice, or someone looking to throw a ball for the first time in your life, it’s never too late to pick up a new past time. You might be put off by the idea that you won’t be as good as the rest, or understand the rules of the game, but lots of people start a new sport in adulthood, and you’ll be able to find people on your level. The benefits that picking up a new sport can have to your health are countless, so below we have listed some of the most popular sports for adults.
Running
Running is a popular sport because it can be social and solitary at the same time. By taking part in races and marathons, you can compete against and socialise with other people, but the only scoring that really matters is your own. Nobody expects you to come first in the Dublin marathon, but if you beat your best time, that’s impressive. It also gives you an opportunity to raise some money and awareness for causes you care about, or ones that affect friends and family.
Golf
It may be a bit of a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. Golf is a popular choice of sport among adults because, although you do get a good workout, it is not overly exerting. There are long walks, drives, and breaks between swings, which will give you plenty of time to catch your breath and gather some energy. It is also one of the more social sports out there, and can be played with almost any number of people.
Badminton
Badminton is a thorough aerobic exercise that has been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of fatal heart problems by almost a quarter if done regularly. It is a quick moving game perfect for either individuals or couples, but carries a relatively low risk of injury.
Swimming
Swimming is the perfect example of a sport that can be exactly as social and as active as you want. With pools in gyms, schools, and hotels across the country, this is an activity most people can easily incorporate into their schedule. With beaches and lakes all over the island too, people have the option of using swimming as a way to keep fit, or to get outside. The gentle freedom of movement that waters allows also means that it is the perfect activity for people with physical injuries or limitations. There are also lots of different classes you could sign up for, such as aquarobics, or you have the option of simply doing lengths.
Volleyball
Volleyball is most popular during the summer, but most big gyms will have the facilities to play it indoors all year round. Volleyball is a good choice as it can be easily understood and played by most people. It is also a fast, physically exerting game, but one that has a low risk of injury. The full equipment to play can easily be packed away and taken with you, so you don’t need a lot of planning to get a game going.
These are just a few examples of sports that are easy for adults to pick up. Of course, if you have a sport in mind that you prefer, you should pursue that. But if you’re unsure of your level of fitness, or just looking for a way to increase the amount of physical activity in your life, these options are a good place to start.
