Ben Halpern
Posted on
What sport/physical activity would you recommend to someone who's not super sporty by nature?
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
Posted on
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
Saif Hussain -
Bogomil Shopov - Бого -
Emanuele Bartolesi -
Luciano Jung -
Top comments (93)
Bouldering, especially indoor bouldering. It's easy to get into, it requires you to solve problems, you can pretty much do it for as long as you feel comfortable with and you automatically become healthier/more in shape. You can do it socially by talking to people in the gym, or you can decide to do it on your own without talking to anyone. It's the only sport I've been able to get into and stay excited about in the last 10 years. I absolutely love it.
I came here to say exactly this. Bouldering is great full-body exercise, is not too terribly hard on your body (like running is), is not a big time commitment (like cycling), and is incredibly addicting.
I don't like to run or lift weights or things like that because its all so monotonous. Rock climbing is always a new challenge, gyms typically change their routes every few weeks so there are always new problems for you to work on, and it never feels like I'm just doing the same thing endlessly.
Plus, rock climbing is just cool 😎
Right? I love it so much. It's also a great sport to get nerdy about. Lots of free climbing live streams, bunch of fun YouTube channels with great content and there's always someone who wants to talk about climbing or setting or competing, etc.
I had this in mind when I opened this thread. @jess introduced me to this sport and it really fits the bill. I'm not quite sure why.
I still haven't gotten into the habit of doing it on my own but I really want to adopt it into my routine!
Well if either of you (or anyone reading this!) are ever in The Netherlands and want to do a bouldering session, ping me!
OOOH great to know! My best friend lives there and I'm trying to visit them yearly, in Utrecht :)
Awesome! There are a couple good gyms in/close to Utrecht!
I'm sold just by reading this thread of comments! Am I right to assume that it's quite easy enough for anyone to get started (i.e. even for those who aren't super fit physically)?
Yeah absolutely! There will absolutely be multiple boulder problems in your local gym that you'll be able to do, even if you've never done it and aren't in the best shape. I was completely out of shape when I started and I still had fun from the start. Most gyms around here also offer a beginner course if you're looking to get some help on improving with technique instead of strength.
Interesting, this sounds like a game changer for me in how I see going to the gym in future (like others in the thread, not a fan of lifting and workouts as they sound like chores)! Will have to investigate! 🔎
Oh man, I hated going to the actual gym to lift weights etc, but Bouldering is just fun. Feels like just playing around and at the same time getting stronger and better at something that's really fun to do.
Yeah, and I like the thought that it can be a social thing too. It's nice to talk to people that aren't doing the same thing as you sometimes!
You mean not sporty body or not sporty mood? What I would recommend you from general tips would be to do some type of sports not alone but with friends or somebody else. Also a good tip would be to clean up your nutrition and focus on recovery. If you go deep into that, I promise you'll enjoy any type of sport. Probably try gym, running or calisthenics, it is very interesting and it will be easy to start. The last thing I can advice you is to use supplements like here rats.army/. It will help you with your diet and recovery.
+1 although I stopped it after some months due to a knee-injury (never jump down!) and don't want to risk it again. I feel misplaced around all those sporty people anyways. But it was really fun and I'd suggest to try it.
Totally agree! I've been bouldering for six months and it's so much fun as it also activates your mind.
I second that, climbing, or bouldering in this case, is awesome.
Running. Saved my life.
Buy a good pair of running shoes from a shop that will help to choose them (preferably by doing some gait analysis). Wear enough clothes so that you're warm enough or cool enough.
And that's it. Just go running. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace. The world is your gym.
You just say "I'm going running now" and...
BANG!
out the door
down the road
round the park
into the city
along the river
up the hill
through the forest
along the mountain tops
Running is freedom.
This 100%.
As a casual runner, I would also add: do not run for pace or distance, only run for effort.
If you're working hard (not over-exerting) and breaking a sweat, you're doing it right. If you feel like you're over-exerting, walk for a bit. The most common newbie running plan (couch-to-5k) starts off with mostly walking for the first few weeks.
I've never been into running but I took up the "couch to 5k" programme and it's been really good.
I'm now at the point of running for 25 minutes three times a week and enjoying it. I do need to listen to music as I run though (and the C25K app).
Came here to say this. Sometimes I think I'd go nuts if I didn't have running.
Hiking.
Although depending on where and what's on the program it might be a sporty thing.
But short hikes are definitely a good start 👍
lmao, no need to tackle a mountain or long distance out the gate. I take my daughter and partner for nature hikes no more than mile or mile an half. :)
Yeah definitely it would even be dangerous to do so. There are quite a lot of people won't don't realise that it takes practice to make long hikes :)
And I also completely agree on short hikes: any hike is good and refreshing
Woot!! Yeah, I thought I was fit enough when I tackled the multi-day hike through Haleakala Crater. It turned out pretty bad the first time, fortunately, I was with someone, rested an extra night, then hiked out the switchbacks. After that, I did more research finding out it was considered Expert level and had considerable hazard warnings, obviously altitude and terrain being among them. I also bought better equipment for longer hikes, better socks, shoes, hiking pack, water transport, tent... All got upgrades, I also worked out more and did more medium hikes before attempting it again.
Lmao, talk about learning the hard way.
It may not be as physical as some other activities, but walking is really easy to get into, lets you enjoy exploring your environment, and is a great way to shift gears.
Pickup Ultimate Frisbee. People who show up to pickup games are there to have fun and aren't competitive. It's great exercise.
I live in a city so taking my doggo on a walk and making sure not to avoid hills is a good way to keep my health in line esp when I'm busy in life.
When I have more times I'd say something like bouldering is good because there is an extra sense of accomplishment when you physically climb a wall and make progress.over time.
I'm lifting weights, started 10 yrs ago its became a hobby.
I learnt everything about lifting the way I learnt coding by watching tutorials, reading articles, books and being active in communities( like bodybuilding.com forum) and I'm keep learning.
whatever movement or activity you doing just make sure you doing it right, do not rely on PTs.
45mins/4days a week more than enough
Agreed. What I enjoy about lifting weights is that when you really get into form it shuts your brain off. It's all about this one rep and doing it the best you can. There's always more to learn with it so it's something you get into for the long haul. And you don't have to spend hours at the gym to really work huge muscle groups.
I've learned everything about it just like Saeed, youtube videos (Athlean-X, Alan Thrall) and reading stuff. Also, lifters are great with helping. I've gotten a lot of great advice from other people at the gym. Just get yourself some gloves.
tbh, running. I always thought I hated it - turns out it's a great way to shut off my brain.
swimming is great for people who are non-sporty and have some chronic pain issues - i LOVE swimming.
i've also recently gotten super into biking and took a 20k bike ride to work remotely the other day - it felt SO GOOD!
I went to a dance fitness class last night that was a lot of fun, but I’m definitely feeling the kind of muscle soreness you get from a good workout. I equate dancing with fun more than I do working out or other physical activities like running, so it’s easier for me to get into it mentally. Plus, you eventually become a better dancer 💃🏻
Ping pong?
Ping pong is awesome, makes you sweat and it's an endless source of fun among coworkers (if you stay sporty about it and don't take it too seriously!).
Bodybuilding! It'll be painful at first but you'll get used to it. Find a great program, be careful when performing the exercises and you should be good. You may want to take some protein supplements tho.
Hiking or Bikes
Who doesn't remember the feeling of freedom you got as a kid with your bike(s). One friend told me long ago that he would go back to age 10 bc he loved the freedom he got from his first bike.
I would say Crossfit and I know what you're thinking... "But it's such a high-intensity sport, how can someone with no background just jump in?"
All workouts are scaled, so you only do what you can. Can't do pull-ups? Switch to jumping pull-ups. Still struggle? We'll chuck some plates underneath you so you haven't got far to jump. Can't do push-ups? They'll let you go onto your knees or use a box for further assistance.
The social aspect is incredible, and everyone helps each other get through the workouts. It's a truly amazing sport which you should try at least once in your life.
Biking to work has been really good for me. If I'm running late, then I get a more intense workout haha
I'd give archery a go! It's a fantastic sport that's can be team or solo focused, requires little physical prowess to get started and depending on what you like can be very simple or technical. So there's something for everyone :D