Author Archives: Michael Beecroft

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Football

Footballer attempts to volley the ball

Footballer attempts to volley the ball

Football is the most popular sport in the world.

It consists of two teams of 11 trying to score more goals than the other team in a 90 minute game. Although competitive football has its regulations the reason why it is the most popular sport worldwide is because of the lack of materials needed to play.

This makes it cheap and therefore easy to play for anyone. All you need is a ball. It is a game that can be played on any surface whether it be grass, concrete or another surface.

Playing football not only gives you enjoyment but it also is a hobby that can improve physical fitness. The constant aspect of running increases stamina and can improve explosive speed when it required that you sprint. It also build leg muscle because kicking the ball requires strength to turn and balance on one leg.

Playing football just for fun is very rewarding but playing competitively can be be even more rewarding.

Competitive football takes up more personal time because often there are training sessions that go along with matches. These cost more money but can be provide a lot more satisfaction. Training sessions will boost your skills and fitness and matches see you be entered into competitions and leagues. These things combined can help fitness, can give you a winning feeling and can also see you make friends and build up confidence in social situations.

 

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Kayaking

Kayaking is a watersport. A bit like canoeing, kayaking involves a paddling through water.Kayaking

Kayaking involves using a double ended paddle while your legs are inside your kayak. Yes, this means only your upper body is above the kayak. It can sound quite scary and it takes some getting used but once you embrace it, it can provide some of the biggest thrills you can experience.

Thrills are one thing but getting fit is a reason you may want to do a sport as your hobby. If this is true then kayaking may be the hobby that is perfectly suited to you. It provides:

  • Core strength from using your abdomen to move your kayak.
  • Shoulder strength from pushing your paddles through the water.
  • Fitness, cardio and endurance from the intensity of the activity.

To find out where you can kayak check out kayaking clubs throughout the UK.

Want to learn the basics? Here’s a video to give you some understanding.

 

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Swimming

Swimming can be a hobby for anyone. Not only is it an easy thing to get involved in but it is also something that is very good for you.

It is one of the most efficient sports for health performance as well as being fun to do.

Take a splash in your local pool

Take a splash in your local pool

Of course to maximise your fitness through swimming it helps to be a strong swimmer but you may not want to start swimming as a hobby, simply for fitness reasons. You may also want to do it just for fun.

Swimming is fun for all ages. It cannot only help younger people in their fitness but can also help older people with mobility and strength.

So no matter how old you are, this is one hobby you can enjoy.

How to get involved?

There are hundreds of swimming pools and swimming clubs that are available to the public throughout the UK. To find a club check out the swimming pool finder.

 

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What is Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA as it is referred to is a full contact, combat sport.

kick

As opposed to boxing, karate, judo etc, it is isn’t just a single form a martial art. It encompasses many forms of martial arts and that’s where the sports gets its name from.

Although it can take in any martial art, there are 5 main styles of combat that are the base of MMA. These styles are:

  • Boxing – A style of combat, where the punches are the main focus. It is a form of stand-up striking that fighters use in MMA when they are on their feet.
  • Kickboxing – A style of combat, very similar to boxing but kicks are added into the equation. Again it is a form of stand up striking that is used while standing up in MMA.
  • Muay Thai – It also is a stand-up striking combat but where elbows and knees as well as kicks and punches are allowed. Also it incorporates the ‘clinch’ which is where a fighter can grab the head and the body of his opponent while standing and manipulate their movement.
  • Wrestling – A style of combat where the main goal is to seek the ‘takedown’. This is when you manage to get your opponent to the floor on their back and control them.
  • Jiu-Jitsu – A style of combat where the takedown is also a goal but once that has been achieved the aim is to ‘submit’ your opponent. This can be done by making them tap out through locks, or chokes that either cause the opponent pain causing the tap or by restricting blood flow to the head causing the tap.

To see a live MMA event there are many UK based promotions. The main UK based promotions are BAMMA and Cage Warriors.

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Maybe try basketball?

basketballBasketball is a team game, but as a hobby it can be played on your own or with friends. It is a physical sport and helps keep the body fit and it can exercise your mind through having fun.

Although it originally is a team game, it doesn’t have to be. This is because a hobby is all about having fun, and fun can be enjoyed with others or by yourself.

How would you get involved?

  • On your own or with friends: All you need is a basketball and a hoop. The beauty of this is that it is very cheap to play the only thing you need to buy is the ball, then seek out a local court and start playing.
  • Join a club: You may want to start playing basketball in a more serious manner where not just basketball skills will be involved but also fitness programmes too. Obviously the may be joining fees and weekly/monthy fees to pay but there are basketball clubs everywhere that are looking for players so don’t be afraid to join one. You can find basketball clubs all over the UK.

At the end of the day, if your looking for a sporty hobby that keeps you fit and active basketball may be the hobby for you.

Check out the video below, no one is expecting this from you but you may find it inspiring, if not, at least entertaining.

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