Let’s face it, hitting the gym and jogging is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some don’t like contact sport or doing what everybody does. What can you do to get fit, healthy, and active while still having fun? Luckily, there are a variety of sports activities that you can engage in! May it be after work, class or on the weekends, these sports will suit your needs.
Action sports:
Let’s start with Action Netball. Yes, Netball with more action! As most sports that follow, this one is both for the ladies and gents, separately as well as mixed. It is like netball, but there is a net around the court preventing the ball from leaving it. This makes action netball more of a fast paced game with less stoppages and much more excitement! You don’t even have to go outdoors as it is mostly played indoors. This is a social game where you can meet new people and all you need is some ball skills and shoes. If you get the hang of it, who knows you might be spotted for a regional, provincial or even a national team.
If you are not a true cricket fan, cricket can be quite boring and tedious, hence action cricket. Action cricket is guaranteed to make cricket not so boring! Action cricket is also a unisex sport that is mostly played indoors, this is cricket on fast forward! As the playing area is smaller and there are also nets around the field, action cricket brings all round fun and excitement. There are quite a lot of clubs throughout South Africa one can join ranging from amateur to professional clubs. For more information about these sports and other action sports, you can go to: www.actionsports.co.za
Badminton:
Badminton is technically a ball sport, but is not played with a ball. It is played with a racquet that is smaller and lighter than a tennis racquet. In Badminton, you hit a shuttlecock which is a feathered cork head in the shape of a cone. Badminton is played on a court with a net separating the two sides. The aim of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net to your opponent’s side and vice versa. It is similar to tennis although the rules differ a bit. Badminton is played by all genders separately or mixed, and you can either play alone or doubles. Badminton is really fun and can be played by almost everyone. Be sure to check out badminton at the Olympic Games in Rio.
Rowing:
Rowing is not only a fun pastime and adventure or hobby, it is also a sport! There are different types of rowing with various types of kayaks and canoes. The beauty of society is that we are all different and unique and some people do not have ball skills like others that is why sports like rowing are becoming more and more popular. Rowing is very intensive, it is guaranteed to make you strong and fit. Rowing is said to be one of the best cardio exercises as it works on your whole body. Every town with a dam has a rowing club and all over by the rivers in South Africa you can go kayaking. If you do not like to go outdoors, every gym has a rowing machine. Kayaking and rowing will also be seen at the Olympic Games. To find a venue or more information on rowing you can go over to: www.rowsa.co.za
Dancing:
Most people tend to underestimate the physical intensity of dancing. Whether it is ballroom dancing or hip hop and break-dancing, dancing is also very good exercise. To be a good dancer requires fitness and stamina, two things you will acquire if you start dancing. Dancing can also be done alone or with other people as there are so many forms of dance, you can choose which one you like. YouTube offers free dance lessons if one wants to dance in the comfort of their home. However, for those who want to take it more seriously, many dance studios and -schools are available. If you want to learn to dance and are looking for a studio nearby or you are a dancer and want to be more in the swing of things, don’t hesitate to go to: www.dance.co.za
These are just a few examples of sports and activities to help you with your summer body in fun and not too “mainstream” way. South Africa has a diverse culture and also a diverse sporting landscape, never stop exploring!
Written by: Van Zyl Cronje
