If you’re looking to get more active and want to take part in some different sports activities, there are so many to choose from. Australia is known for its fitness motivated locals who like to work up a daily sweat while spending some time with their teammates and friends.
You may already be gifted in a certain area, or really enjoy a specific sport already – if that’s the case, great; you’ve found your ‘thing’. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be willing to try something new – especially if you don’t already know your strong points.
Here’s a list of all the most popular sports and activities that go on down under.
SWIMMING
It’s very hard not to end up swimming sooner or later when you’re in Australia – you’re surrounded by water, so it’s going to be pretty hard staying away from it. Not only is it a great way to improve your stamina and give your whole body a workout, but it’s very easy on the joints, so if you do suffer from issues with your mobility – get swimming.
CYCLING
Similar to swimming in a sense, it is very good if you have problems with your joints. There are many beautiful routes that you can take while cycling with a group of friends. Or if you prefer a bit more of a competition, why not sign yourself up for local races like cross country? (Which requires a lot of stamina!) Just make sure you train hard before considering anything like this, as it really isn’t as easy as you think it may be.
SURFING
Just imagine Bondi Beach for a second… You can’t not surf! With waves like that, it would just be a waste to not even try. – Spend the day with an instructor and learn the ins and outs of how to stand up on the board. Once the basics have been covered, it’s time to get stuck in. Surfing is a bunch of fun, but the opportunities that come with it if you get really good, are even more exciting. Plus, everyone loves a surfer…
PADDLE BOARDING
If surfing sounds a little too fast paced for you, but you still like the idea of riding the water on a board, then consider getting some stand up paddle boards. The idea is to push yourself along on still water and take in the scenery while going for a ride. It’s also very good for your abdomen because you have to engage your core the whole time so you don’t fall off. You can also attend paddle board yoga classes, which yes, is as tricky, but also as beautiful as it sounds.
VOLLEYBALL
Picture the beach, under the sun, with your toes in the sand, with a group of your best friends, and a little healthy competition. What more can you ask for? – Oh, and a cool box packed with some refreshing beverages to keep you going… There are plenty of professional local teams that you can join too if you wanted to take things to the next level and compete in tournaments with like-minded individuals.
BUSHWALKING
Bushwalking consists of walking through the bush – either alone or with a group – while you explore what the outback has to offer. If you love nature and want a way to get closer to it, then this is ideal, all while keeping fit and experiencing the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen. All you need is a backpack and some energy.
HORSE RIDING
If you have a love of animals, then why not take some horse riding lessons? Whether you just want to be able to ride down the beaches with some good company, or you want to try your hand at racing – take a beginners lesson and see if it’s something you enjoy. You may end up with your own ranch full of prize winning show horses and lifelong friends.
SOCCER
Americans call it soccer, the British call it football, and while it was once referred to as soccer in Australia, most people now call it football, which in itself shows how far the sport has come.
The rules remain the same, as well as the benefits. You get an all over body workout while you constantly increase and decrease your heartrate, build your stamina, and improve your coordination, not to mention the relationships that are formed between you and your teammates.
As you can see, you have plenty of options to choose from, so try a whole bunch until you find something you love.
