What To Consider When Choosing a Sport To Play

If you find yourself with some extra free time each day, you do not have to spend it sitting on the couch and watching television. Instead, you may want to consider trying a new sport.

The Benefits of Sports

Sports can improve your health both mentally and physically. Studies show that those who participate in physical activity six or seven times per week feel sad less often compared to those who exercise zero or one day a week.

Sports can reduce your anxiety and stress, as well. They also improve your physical fitness, which can increase your self-esteem.

Of course, the physical benefits of sports are well-documented. Being active lowers your risk of developing serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Once you decide that you want to play a sport, you must figure out which activity is right for you. Here are some factors to consider.

1. Cost

First, you should think about your budget. Some sports, such as running, only require sneakers and basic clothes. However, with many other sports, you will likely have to purchase certain equipment. For instance, you may have to invest in new softball gloves or boxing gloves.

Some specialized gear can be quite expensive. Head to your local sporting goods store to see just how much various items cost. You can then determine which activities you can and cannot afford.

2. Your Health

Different sports require various levels of stamina. If you have not been physically active in the past, then you should probably avoid high-intensity activities. You should instead start with more laid-back alternatives such as bowling.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any sport. This is particularly important if you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure. Your physician will know whether you are healthy enough for certain activities.

If you have a history of chronic pain but still want to play a physical sport, you should consider regenerative therapies that stimulate healing. To find a facility that offers this treatment, you can simply search online for “stem wave therapy near me.”

3. Your Physical Traits

Even if you are fully healthy, you may not be well-suited for all types of sports. That is because some sports are best for those with specific body types. For instance, if you have large muscles, you should consider sports with lots of physical contact, including rugby and football.

Height is a key thing to consider, as well. If you are vertically challenged, you may struggle at basketball or volleyball. Luckily, there are plenty of sports that anyone can play well, such as table tennis or badminton.  

4. Time Commitment and Your Schedule

Sports can be time-consuming, especially if you want to play them well. You will probably have practices and games, plus regular workouts. Make sure that you have enough time to devote to whichever sport you choose.

Similarly, you must consider which hours you have available each day. If you have a strict work schedule, then you should avoid sports that have games at inflexible times. Instead, consider an activity such as cycling that you can do whenever you have some spare moments. Similarly, if you prefer hanging out with your friends and family members on weekends, then you should avoid sports that are played on Saturdays and Sundays.

5. Availability

Not all sports are available in all locations. If you live in a small town, your local sports club may not have enough members to field a large football or soccer team. You may thus have to pick an individual sport or one such as tennis that only requires two players.

Your local weather should be a consideration, as well. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, then you may have trouble finding outdoor activities. Similarly, if your city is warm for most of the year, then you probably will not be able to take up skiing or snowboarding.

6. Team Versus Individual Sports

Some sports, such as cricket and baseball, require lots of teamwork. A team sport helps you make new friends and should improve your communication skills. There is also something rewarding about working with a group of people to meet a common goal.

Other team sports, such as swimming and wrestling, are more individualized. In those sports, you swim your own race or participate in your own match, but your solo results are also included in an overall team score.

However, team sports come with some downsides. It may be hard to find days and times when every member of your team is available for practice. If you are more of a loner, you may also feel uncomfortable in a large team setting. Team sports also require you to follow specific rules.

With individual sports, however, you can set your own guidelines and schedule. You also do not have to worry about getting along with teammates.

Cycling is one popular individual sport. See if your town has local biking or hiking trails. You can then get some exercise while exploring nature. For safety reasons, you may want to bring a friend with you, especially if you are unfamiliar with the trail.

Rock climbing is another activity you can do alone.  Many facilities offer indoor rock-climbing walls. This sport works muscles in your legs, shoulders, feet and legs.

If you love the water, you could head to the nearest lake or ocean for some wakeboarding or kayaking. Water sports help you stay cool on hot days, and they are fun for individuals of all skill levels.

7. Your Temperament

You should have the proper disposition for your chosen sport, as well. If you have an active temperament and enjoy a fast pace, then you should opt for high-energy sports such as football and rugby.

However, if you have a calmer personality, then you might struggle with those sports. Golf and horseback riding are better options for laid-back individuals.

8. Ease of Play

Some sports are quite complex to learn. If you have the time and patience to learn a complicated sport, then go for it. Otherwise, you are better off sticking to simpler activities such as running.

9. Your Needs

Finally, think about exactly what you want to get out of your preferred sport. If you are interested in building muscle, consider weightlifting and other similar activities. However, if you want an activity that can help you stay calm and relax after a hectic day, then hiking is a great choice.

Of course, you may not immediately know whether you have the right temperament or skills for certain sports. That is why you should try various activities before settling on one.

This should also help you figure out which sports you enjoy. After all, sports should be fun. If playing a certain sport feels boring or more like a chore, then you will not get much out of it.

The above tips should help you narrow down which sport is ideal for your situation. You may quickly quit a sport that is not right for you. However, if you choose a sport that fits your schedule, lifestyle, interests and physical abilities, then you may discover a new favorite hobby.