Keeping fit with sports you may not have heard of (Guest Post)

by Rachel on October 19, 2012 · 0 comments

Playing a sport is great for keeping fit, and is a good way to meet people. This doesn’t necessarily mean joining your local Sunday League or golf club. There are a lot of sports out there, all you have to do is find the right one for you. Here are some of the more unusual ones.

If you like cycling but fancy something a little more interactive than mountain biking or speed trials, Cycle Polo might be for you. This hard-court game originated in Ireland in 1891, and is played throughout the world. Just like the horse based version of the game, it’s fast and furious and not for the fainthearted. The rules are easy to understand and it’s quick to pick up. A quick search online will help you find a local league.

Popular across much of mainland Europe, Handball is starting to attract some serious attention in the UK and as fun as it is to watch, it’s even better to play. The game is made of two halves of thirty minutes and it’s a combination of all the best bits of rugby, basketball and football. It’s good for both men and women, and handball is the perfect way to let off some steam after a hard week. To find your local handball club, visit www.BritishHandball.com.

A US import, Ultimate Frisbee is a fast moving game that’s played between two teams of seven players, sort of like American Football meet netball with a disc. Players with the Frisbee must stop, and try to throw to another player, and a team scores when one of its players catches the disc in the opposition’s ‘end zone’. If the disc is intercepted or hits the ground, the other team takes possession. Ultimate is unique in two ways, teams are mixed and it doesn’t have any referees. This means that sportsmanship isn’t just encouraged – it’s woven within the fabric of the sport. There are plenty of leagues across the country to join www.UKUltimate.com or set up a game with a few friends – all you need is a bit of open space and a Frisbee.

Another US sport that is beginning to really take off in the UK is Roller Derby. This women-only contact sport is played by two teams of five skating around a circuit track. Points are scored when one player – the ‘Jammer’ – laps members of the opposing team. The purpose is to try and hinder the other side’s jammer as much as possible while supporting your own. To find out more about Roller derby in your area, go to the UK Roller Derby Association website.

For people who like their sport non-competitive, Parkour (check out www.parkouruk.org) might be for you. Parkour isn’t about beating a team or a player, it’s a way of using movement to navigate urban spaces. Since being featured in various movies and documentaries, its popularity has continued to increase. All you need is a pair of comfortable trainers and a sense of freedom. Like martial arts, Parkour is about the philosophy behind movement and it will help you see your local neighbourhood in a whole new way.

Whatever your age, there are many benefits to taking part in a more active lifestyle. As part of your long-term planning for your family’s health and welfare you may also like to consider life insurance cover.