Stay Healthy With These Lifelong Sport Options
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sports can be a lot of fun. Even if you're just watching them, sports create moments of entertainment. And if you get to play, you also get to bond with others and make memories. But one of the best things about sports is that they help you stay in shape without any thought. Since they're fun, you don't think about the burning muscles and tired lungs. You just keep going! Of course, it's probably hard to imagine playing sports forever (football at 50, anyone?!), which makes this a short-term fitness plan. But does it have to be that way? Or can we really play sports for our entire lives? If you want to stay fit and have fun at the same time, take a look at these long-lasting sports that you can keep in your routine forever.
Golf
Golf is incredibly low-impact. You have to be able to stand, walk, and swing a club -- but that's about the extent of the physicality of the sport. With that said, people with joint problems, especially of the knees, elbows, and shoulders, may find golf fairly difficult. The good news is that you can really take your time playing golf, so there's no rush if pain arises. Choosing this sport keeps you moving and active without throwing you into something high-contact. It's truly a great option that you can do your entire life. The only caveat? Golf can be expensive, so you may need to save up to fully appreciate the sport.
Tennis
Tennis isn't as low-impact as golf. It requires you to really move your body, and fairly quickly at that. You have to be both light and quick on your feet, which is certainly a challenge. And if you already have trouble with your elbows, tennis might make it worse. But the good sides of tennis might make the sport worth it. In most places, you can find tennis partners that are at your same ability level, which means you won't be pushed further than you can handle. Another great bonus is that many parks have tennis courts that you can use for free, so all you'll be out is the price of a racket. If you want a fun way to stay fit, especially if you like the idea of friendly competition, tennis might be a great option in your life.
Swimming
Swimming isn't a typical sport in the way we usually define them, but it's definitely a fun way to stay active. Swimming is so good for the body. It requires us to use every muscle in the body, but since we're working with the buoyancy of the water, it's a bit easier to keep going. It can even help eliminate soreness while you're in the process of swimming. All you need is a suit and a pool which can be found in many community parks and gyms across the country. It's fun, it's effective, and it's something you can do for the rest of your life.
Sports make staying active way more fun. Whether you participate all alone or with some friends, sports make you feel young and alive. They're a way to get friendly competition and to push your body while having a blast. Use these sports to get started, and you can stay in better health starting now and lasting the rest of your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alpharetta, Ga.