How to Choose the Right Sport For You

Sports are one of the most fun ways to get movement in, especially in the summer. Sports are a fantastic way to keep active, meet new people, and do something new outside the ordinary routine of your day. 

There are many health advantages to playing sports. When you are physically active, you get more oxygen into your brain and your heart pumps more blood to all parts of your body. This will improve your sleep and movement patterns, strengthen your immune system, and make your heart stronger and healthier. You also build strong bones and muscles, especially with sports that include weight-bearing and resistance exercises. Playing sports strengthens different parts of your body! 

Of course, some people know what they like to play right away, but for other people, it can be hard to choose what they want to try, especially with a wide variety of sports options. How do you know what sports and activities suit you? First off, the whole point of choosing a sport is to enjoy your time. They are meant to be fun first and foremost. Your favorite sport might seem intimidating, but, the point is not to be good, it is to have fun! There are a lot of sports that let you participate even if you are not ready yet to compete in games and matches.

If you aren’t sure what sport is the right one for you yet, read on to learn more about your options based on your answers to the following questions. 
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Do I Like Playing with a Team? 

Are you a person that likes working in teams, whether on group projects or in games? Then maybe you should try out for team sports. Some sports like basketball and hockey need the whole team to strategize and work together to reach their goal. When you enroll in team sports, you can make new friends, learn how to listen to others, and build a community.

Here is a list of some great team-based sports you can consider for this summer: 

• Baseball
• Basketball 
• Cheerleading 
• Tennis
• Volley 
• Hockey 
• Soccer 
• Football 
• Polo 
• Frisbee
• Rugby
• And Many More!

Other benefits that come with team sports include: 

• Self Esteem: Not only will team sports make you feel better physically, but they can also help you grow emotionally and mentally. Winning and receiving recognition from your teammates and community boosts self esteem while also learning to recognize those who helped you succeed. Working together and creating strong relationships also boosts confidence. The skills you learn when you play team sports will benefit you in all aspects of life, leaving you more confident in what you are doing.

 

• Teamwork and Leadership Development: Team sports is one of the most natural ways to work together toward a common objective. You will learn how to step out of your comfort zone to listen to others, help them feel comfortable, and support each other no matter if you win or lose. You will also build leadership skills by setting an example and making decisions for the rest of your team.
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What If I Don’t Like Team Sports? 

If you do not like to participate in team sports, there are many other options to discover. You may already have a workout routine or an activity that you enjoy doing in your spare time. One of the great choices is to keep free play. What is free play? Shooting hoops, riding bikes, playing whiffle ball, playing tag, jumping rope, or dancing.

You might enjoy playing some individual sports and value alone time like: 

• Swimming
• Horseback riding 
• Dancing 
• Cycling 
• Skating 
• Running
• Martial Arts 
• Rock Climbing 
• And Many More!

Many benefits come with individual sports if that is what you prefer. Individual sports promote mental health, and you become much more resilient when you challenge yourself. You will learn to self-motivate by persisting through challenging training sessions or declines in performance and results. After all, there's no one else to blame if you're having a bad day. 

But when you get to the top of the mountain or master your dance move, you will feel very self-fulfilled that your hard work has paid off. In addition, individual sports provide freedom and can be a good fit for you if you do not like to rely on others' abilities to succeed.

What Sports Can Help Me Relax? 

Some people like sports that pump them up, and others prefer to relieve their stress through their workouts. If you need a slower pace  through your exercise routine, there are many great options to choose from. These two choices can be both relaxing and rewarding: 

• Yoga can help you gain flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. In addition to its physical benefits, yoga is said to reduce anxiety and tension and promote mental clarity for many people who practice it. Check out our video on relieving stress through yoga moves. 
• Hiking is a wonderful way to challenge yourself in a relaxing environment. There are trails for every hiking level in a variety of nature settings. There's always somewhere new to explore! Hiking gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty of nature and breath in fresh air, helping you to ease your mind and stay present. You can use apps like All Trails to find hiking spots near you.
• Golf is a slower paced sport great for those who are looking to take some time for themselves and relax. This sport give you the flexibility to move at your own pace and the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful green landscape in a peaceful environment. Not enough time for a full 18 holes? Try the driving range! Relieve stress by hitting a few balls and practicing your technique.

Be Patient 
Finally, be patient with the process of choosing the sport that suits you. Try to stay open-minded. It generally takes many tries for you to discover one that feels appropriate. You'll be glad you put in the time and effort when something finally clicks. It's a major step forward in developing active habits that will last a lifetime. Whatever you choose to do at the end of the day, remember to have fun!