For many people, their New Year’s resolution is to get fit and healthy, whether that’s to lose a few pounds or enjoy fitness a little bit more. However, it is important, regardless of weight, to be physically active to some extent. Having good cardiovascular health is never a wasted goal, and working out, whether in a team or at the gym will always benefit your health. Here are a few ways of embracing a sport in the new year.
Scare yourself
If you’ve always wanted to try a sparring session in a boxing ring, go rock climbing or try aerial aerobics, then push yourself to try something new. If you’re just too intimidated to go by yourself, then pick a friend to go with. At least then, you will feel less self-conscious about turning up by yourself. Sometimes all it takes is one taster session with a friend to make you realize that you could easily turn up week after week on your own.
Find a massage therapist
Arguably, you should keep a massage therapist in mind for whichever sport you are planning on trying out, however, for more contact-heavy sports, a masseuse will be particularly useful. At one end of the spectrum, you have rehab for sprained and injured limbs, but at the other, you have general knots and stiffness which can come as a result of contouring your body. Choosing a therapy center such as Trinacria Health Therapy, who are experienced with sports injuries, is a good place to start.
Try, but don’t give up
Realistically, some sports will require patience for you to master them. For example, if your first attempt at tennis is mired by you constantly missing the ball and not being able to nail an overarm serve, then ask yourself whether you enjoyed it. If you did indeed appreciate the time you spent on the court, then it may be worth sticking at it for at least a while.
Appeal to your tastes
If you can’t bear the thought of monotony or repetition, then going for five-mile runs via the same route daily might not be for you. Instead, you are far better off choosing a sport that appeals to your sensibilities. For example, if you have a taste for adventure, then canoeing or kayaking could be a far more ideal option.
Commit
One of the most difficult aspects of picking up a new sport is learning to commit to it. One of the best things that you can do for yourself this year is trying to commit to a sport you enjoy. Force yourself out of the house on cold evenings and when you’re tired: the dopamine hit will almost always be worth it.
If you are considering trying a new sport this year, then don’t limit yourself to something safe if what you want to do intimidates you. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone: you may find a new passion at the end of it.
