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Ben Halpern
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What sport/physical activity would you recommend to someone who's not super sporty by nature?

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stefandorresteijn profile image
Stefan Dorresteijn

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.

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cjbrooks12 profile image
Casey Brooks

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 😎

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stefandorresteijn profile image
Stefan Dorresteijn

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.

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ben profile image
Ben Halpern

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!

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stefandorresteijn profile image
Stefan Dorresteijn

Well if either of you (or anyone reading this!) are ever in The Netherlands and want to do a bouldering session, ping me!

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jess profile image
Jess Lee

OOOH great to know! My best friend lives there and I'm trying to visit them yearly, in Utrecht :)

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stefandorresteijn profile image
Stefan Dorresteijn

Awesome! There are a couple good gyms in/close to Utrecht!

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darrenvong profile image
Darren Vong

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)?

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stefandorresteijn profile image
Stefan Dorresteijn • Edited

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.

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darrenvong profile image
Darren Vong • Edited

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! πŸ”Ž

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stefandorresteijn profile image
Stefan Dorresteijn

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.

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darrenvong profile image
Darren Vong

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!

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mjwatsonlee profile image
MJWatsonLee • Edited

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.

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niorad profile image
Antonio Radovcic

+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.

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idoshamun profile image
Ido Shamun

Totally agree! I've been bouldering for six months and it's so much fun as it also activates your mind.

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stephanie profile image
Stephanie Handsteiner

I second that, climbing, or bouldering in this case, is awesome.

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gypsydave5 profile image
David Wickes

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.

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kyleboe profile image
Kyle Boe

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.

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gerboa profile image
Gerboa

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).

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peiche profile image
Paul

Came here to say this. Sometimes I think I'd go nuts if I didn't have running.

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jacobmgevans profile image
Jacob Evans

Hiking.

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leojpod profile image
leojpod

Although depending on where and what's on the program it might be a sporty thing.
But short hikes are definitely a good start πŸ‘

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jacobmgevans profile image
Jacob Evans

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. :)

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leojpod profile image
leojpod

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

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jacobmgevans profile image
Jacob Evans

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.

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cathodion profile image
Dustin King

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.

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abraham profile image
Abraham Williams

Pickup Ultimate Frisbee. People who show up to pickup games are there to have fun and aren't competitive. It's great exercise.

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wysocki129 profile image
wysocki129

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.

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saeedzandian profile image
Saeed

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

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jjordanstivers profile image
J. Jordan Stivers

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.

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desi profile image
Desi

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!

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jnschrag profile image
Jacque Schrag

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 πŸ’ƒπŸ»

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ozeta profile image
Marco Carrozzo

Ping pong?

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maxart2501 profile image
Massimo Artizzu

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!).