Maybe you’re trying to whip yourself into shape or perhaps you just want a new way to connect with your community. Whatever the case may be, there are lots of activities hiding right under your nose that you might not have thought to try before. These activities won’t just get you out and moving, they’ll also introduce you to a lot of other fun individuals in your area and, ultimately, welcome in some friendly competition.
Here’s a look at five activities that you can try in your local area to get into better health, meet new friends, and maybe even when a title or two.
#1 Baseball / Softball
It’s not a secret to most people that local communities are able to form their own baseball and softball teams, and it’s not reserved for kids! Adults and teens alike can get some friends together (or post an invitation at the local gym) to assemble their very own team. Register it with your local sports club and you’ll even get to reserve access to the fields in your area for practice and, eventually, a game or two!
This is a great way to get out and meet new people and it’s also a very active and fun sport that can get anyone feeling in better shape. Whether you know any players or not, there are probably plenty of people around who would be willing to join if you invited them. And, you can also check around for already formed teams who are looking to add a new player.
With these teams, it’s really a “no experience needed” type thing in most situations so don’t feel bad if you’ve never played before. There’s a first time for everything and, by the end of the season, you might just be the best player on the field. Give it a go!
#2 Court Sports
If you aren’t looking to join a team, maybe you’d be better off heading to your local park, gym, or activities center and joining a game of pick-up basketball or perhaps tennis! Court sports will get you up and moving about, and they can also awaken your competitive side. Whether you know someone to play with or not, you can definitely find someone in your area willing to show you a thing or not about the game.
Bring your own equipment and join in on a game of handball, racquetball, or even ping-pong. Once you get started, you’ll realize just how much fun it really is! Plus, you’ll make lots of friends in the process whether you’re playing with them or against them. If you do want to be a bit more competitive than just a week night game, most every town has clubs and organizations devoted to different sports that you can look into.
While joining a club might put you in a more competitive environment with a bit higher standards about your performance, that can prove to be all the more encouraging when it comes to getting in shape and having a great time.
#3 Find A Dojo
Have you ever head of MMA? Most people have, but very few have actually tried Mixed Martial Arts out for themselves. Most towns have a dojo or center in the area where you can find MMA and other lessons which will allow you to get into shape and pull out your competitive side in a slightly different form than other sports.
If you have ever considered karate or any kind of similar activity, MMA might be the right choice for you. It combines various techniques that will challenge your balance, integrity, and your mental and physical skills. It’s praised for being an excellent athletic outlet for people of all ages, so don’t hesitate to give it a try yourself.
And, unlike other activities where you may have trouble finding a team to join or matching yourself with a player at your skill level, MMA is a class-taught activity so you’ll be able to join in with other people who are at the same level as you, whether that’s complete beginner or an experienced fighter. You also won’t be required to compete just in case you’ve got stage fright, but once you begin honing your skills, that could very well change too!
Joining a local MMA club or organization is usually as easy as heading to your nearest place of teaching and signing up for classes. You’ll even be provided with a uniform and can begin meeting your fellow classmates right away. It’s a great way to get fit, make friends, and have fun.
