There have never been more opportunities for beginners to get involved in sport.
From local courts to community-run clubs and leisure centres, anyone looking to try their hand at a new activity can find a group or facility to try something new nearby.
But it isn’t just the appeal of fitness that is driving more of us to take up sporting activities for fun. In a world where remote working is increasingly common, and isolation is an increasing concern, joining a sports group can provide a space for us to socialise and spend time around others. This combination of movement and social connection is a vital tool to support your wellbeing.
Lower your stress levels
Physical activity can be a great outlet for stress. As little as 30 minutes spent away from work and out of the house can help relieve stress through physical exertion.
The NHS strongly recommends being active as a way to support mental health. Tools like Couch to 5K are ideal for beginners, giving you structure for your exercise routine without too much intensity. This has the added benefit of offering both independence and opportunity to socialise – find yourself a running buddy to keep up your motivation, or try it on your own to build up your confidence.
Beginners welcome
If you were the sort of kid that would have done anything to get out of PE at school, and have never since discovered your inner athlete, social sport can provide the support and motivation you need to let go of your inhibitions and enjoy sport as an activity rather than a punishment.
Paddle sports played on small courts are increasing in popularity as they share many similarities with one another, but tend to be low-intensity with easy-to-follow rules. A great example is pickleball, which is played with a lightweight paddle and can be played as a casual game against a single opponent, or more typically as doubles. Pickleball People are a leading provider of equipment, but also have a wealth of resources to help you find local pickleball courts and groups.
A low-intensity sport enables you to get stuck in from day one without worrying about being behind or pushing yourself too hard, reaping the benefits of both the physical activity and the group environment.
Getting to know new people
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of taking up a new sport is the opportunity to get to know people in your community, make new friends, and enjoy regular social interaction.
Whether you’re bringing a friend, or heading to a local class or activity on your own to partner up with someone you’ve never met and build new connections. Sport England’s Active Lives survey has demonstrated a significant relationship between sport, physical activity, and mental wellbeing thanks to the sense of social community and connection offered through these activities.
And when you play as part of a group where everyone is learning, playing, or improving together, encouragement from your teammates and other participants can help you build up your confidence to make it easier to keep showing up.
Finding a new sport doesn’t have to mean joining a competitive team or committing to an intense fitness regime. When you find something you enjoy, and look forward to spending time with those you enjoy it with, it’s easier to make exercise a part of your routine, and you’ll reap the rewards for your mental well-being too.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
