For the average person, sport isn’t just about winning. Instead, it can be a fantastically fun and effective way to both get and stay fit. However, with so many different choices on offer, it can be difficult to find the right fit for both your body and your timetable. With that in mind, here we go over what we consider the big three when it comes to finding your way to sports fitness. We’ll also explain what exactly makes each of these special.
One of the most popular forms of both exercise and competition is running, and for good reason. Running has remained at the forefront of exercise for generations. With the fundamentals being so simple to grasp and requiring little more than a decent pair of even cheap running shoes, the convenience is too great to deny. Falling as all of these examples do, in the cardiovascular fitness section of exercise, running helps build energy and stamina, aids in the regulation of blood pressure and, of course, burns off extra calories.
Just be sure to start off slow, as while running is unquestionably one of the most accessible and convenient ways to get fit, it can also be a little hazardous to those who push harder than they should.
“A Midsummer Night’s Run 2011” (CC BY 2.0) by vlitvinov
Often touted as the best low-impact form of exercise, swimming is so useful in both fitness and strength building that it is often used in physical rehabilitation. That doesn’t mean the benefits of this form of exercise are limited to recovery though, as high-level swimming is one of the most demanding and popular forms of full-body exercise we have. Even better, unlike the other examples on this list, there is a huge variety of different swimming techniques available so swimmers can choose the right form for them. Whether depending on your mood, what part of the body you want to target, or just which of your favourite swimmers you want to emulate, swimming has something for almost everyone.
It should be noted that while these are the simplest and most popular fitness sports for beginners, you shouldn’t feel that your choices should be limited to just these sports. The biggest drive for continued dedication is your interest, after all, and if you have a fundamental disinterest in your chosen exercise the chances of sticking with it are greatly diminished. Instead, fitness fans should take into account what and who already interests them. Since online casino betting markets are offered on many different sports, taking a look and exploring the career and achievements of some top favourites can inspire you to explore new ways to exercise or even to take steps to emulate their sports hero of choice.
“Swimming (15)” (Public Domain) by James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics
The final example, and one which often works with the equipment we already have, is that of cycling. Not only is this great for building cardiovascular fitness, but it also offers huge enjoyment just through the possibilities of scenic exercise. Cycling paths are popular all over the world, and are often set up for this very reason.
“Cycling Oxford” (CC BY 2.0) by tejvanphotos
Fun for both the individual, or a group of friends or family, cycling is low-impact, burns huge amounts of calories, and can even act in saving money when it comes to transportation. Advanced riders can even parlay this experience into mountain biking or road-racing, both of which offer huge enjoyment and opportunities to those invested.
Whatever your choice of exercise, just be sure to take it slow at first, and ramp up your exercise over time from there. You need to walk before you can run, after all – and that doesn’t only apply to the obvious.