Exercise and Sport For All

Exercise and Sport. Most of us, keep fit enthusiastsThis is a great option unless the whole idea of
excepted, will sooner or later, suffer from the dawningexercise without seeing a tangible result after each
realization that our mirrors are telling us that oursession doesn't appeal and the idea of running, lifting
bottoms are sagging, our stomachs are bulging and ourweights and other similar gym type exercises fills you
faces are getting puffy.with total boredom.
Some will just accept natures way and carry on withSo lets look at Sport.
their usual lifestyle but there will be others that want toAll sports have a definite objective and that is to win
regain a trim and toned body and that feeling of wellor lose at the end of a session.
being that comes with being fit.I cannot think of a recognized sport in which women
No matter what age you are when you becomedon't take part, even the roughest and toughest such
aware of the dreaded signs that your body is not theas Rugby Union and League, American Football.
temple of excellence that you expected it to remain.Wrestling and Boxing have ladies teams competing
Sloth, bad habits and diet will have their way.against each other. Male or female, there are very
They will affect even a teenager's body in just thefew bars to taking up any sport you fancy.
same way as it will with any older person.Anybody can take part in any sport; the question is
Having the right genes plays a huge part in our abilitywhether to take up a team sport or an individual sport.
to delay the deteriorating effects of a bad lifestyle butBoth will have clubs and associations and with few
sooner or later the body will begin give outexceptions will welcome new members irrespective of
ever-stronger signals that action should be taken totheir ability and most have an emphasis on the social
restore it to the way it was.side of their activities so making new friends and
So what are the options?acquaintances with common interests is an added
The first thought that comes to many peoples mind isbonus.
jogging. It does not require any expensive equipment,The competitive atmosphere generated in sports clubs
just trainers and any old clothes to suit the weathercan become infectious and is a spur to increasing
and can be carried out at any convenient time of thephysical fitness to better ones performance on the
day or even night.playing field, court or wherever the sport is taking
OK that's fine for those who prefer their ownplace.
company but if you suffer from loneliness or just don'tFor those who cannot get on with fast ball games
want to be alone when pounding the highways andsuch as Tennis, Squash or Racquetball there are many
byways of your neighborhood you will have to find aother options open.
friend who shares your dedication to getting fit.Fencing, with three disciplines (foil, epee and sabre)
Incidentally there is a school of thought that considersrequires good reflexes and fast feet, Wrestling needs
jogging one of the worst activities for causing jointapplication to technique good balance and strength.
problems and associated pain.Then there is Judo, various martial arts, archery, boxing
Another option is to equip a home gym if you have theand a large variety of athletic pursuits. Football of
spare space.whatever kind is so popular that a team to suit any
Whether you buy just a few weights and maybe findstandard of play however poor, is likely to be located
a second hand simple treadmill or even if you cannearby.
afford a comprehensive multi-gym machine it will stillMy Dad who is 70 still plays a two-hour competitive
cost you.game of tennis three times a week and has recently
As with all exercise regimes you will have to have thetaken up golf once a week so he will have a sport
will power to continue with what can eventuallywhen he is too old for tennis.
become a boring routine, particularly so if budget andHe still contrives to get out of taking the family's little
space consideration limit your choice of equipment.Shih-Tzu dog for a short daily walk because he says
Again great if you have company to help keep youthat just walking is boring
going as listening to music on an I-pod or watching tellyAnother alternative for those who find road and gym
while you go through your routine can pall after a while.work tedious and boring is to take up swimming.
If you are a mother at least you haven't the problemClubs organize races, water polo, sub aqua and other
of finding a baby sitter.water activities that also require a good level of fitness
If you are a sociable type join a gym.and provide competition, companionship and interest, as
You can keep your interest up by trying out theis the case with every sport.
variety of machines that a well run gym should beSo for that trim and toned body and to feel good
equipped with, take advantage of the good advice onwithout the drudgery of jogging or the dread of
hand from the staff and probably find a new circle ofboredom in the gym try taking up a sport.
friends with the same interests which should help youThere is a sport suitable for every one whatever their
sustain your efforts.age, shape, standard or disability.
Subscriptions vary but are usually affordable."�Sport for all' means exactly what it says!