4 Sporting Activities to Try in 2018

The time for New Year’s resolutions is firmly behind us, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our health and fitness goals now that we’re well into 2018. It’s normal for your body to become resistant to certain forms of exercise after a while, especially if you’ve been playing the same sport for years; so, if your mind is telling you it’s time for a change, then you may need to shake things up.

Do you find yourself stuck in a gym rut or are you craving a new thrill? Luckily, the world is packed full of weird and wonderful sporting activities for people of all genders, ages, and abilities. Let’s take a look at four sports you could (and should) try this year.

Martial Arts

Learning a martial art, whether it’s karate, taekwondo, judo, or jiu-jitsu, teaches more than just self-defense. Not only do all of these activities improve physical strength and flexibility, but they also promote non-violent conflict resolution, self-esteem, and mental clarity. For example, mixed martial artist Justin Gaethje, who is a UFC fighter, has gained popularity as an MMA fighter. Martial arts have become popular among millennials for their focus on meditation and self-improvement, but the practices we see in the world today stem from ancient Asian culture, stretching as far back as 2600 B.C. You can find details of local martial arts classes online at Hulahub or in your local sports and fitness center.

Dancing

Whether you go solo or with a partner, once you’ve found the right dance class, you won’t look back. Dancing not only provides an incredibly physical workout, but it’s also great for relieving stress and encouraging positive thinking – plus you’re sure to make some new friends along the way. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience at all! The point is to have fun, get fit and enjoy yourself, and what better way to do this than by moving to music? Whether it’s tap, modern, ballet, ballroom or hip-hop dancing that takes your fancy, you can search online to find a class near you.

Shooting

We’re not talking about hunting here, but target shooting is a fun and intense sport that improves concentration, stamina, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. If strength and active fitness aren’t your forte, learning to shoot a rifle could be the sport for you. Buying shooting equipment can be expensive, but most clubs will provide the essentials when you book a session. Shooting is also an adaptable sport, so people of all abilities and ages can take part.

Walking

Walking for fitness is hardly revolutionary, but this no-frills exercise is something we often take for granted. Almost all of us do a certain amount of walking already, but we could all benefit from doing more of it! Hiking is a great way to stay physically active while getting closer to nature, but you don’t have to hike the Pacific Crest Trail or climb a mountain to reap the benefits. Spend some time researching hiking trails in your area or join a local walking group to help you get moving.