Find A Sport You Love To Get In Shape
Why You Need to Find a Sport That Brings You Back to Life
What I am going to suggest here is simple. You need to find a sport to play. It does not matter if you are 40, 50, or 60. It is never too late to start a new sport or return to an old one. Just avoid softball or bowling. Please. Those are beer hobbies, not sports, even though they are fun for pounding a few with the boys.
I started playing tennis at 41. I can honestly say it is one of the best decisions I ever made. I love it. I sweat hard, I compete, and I walk away feeling alive. My hope for you is that you find a sport that becomes your version of tennis. Something that motivates you to exercise and compete regularly.
To steal a quote from Robert Plant, the greatest rock and roll singer for the greatest rock and roll band ever, Led Zeppelin, he sings in Stairway to Heaven, “yes there are two paths you can go by but in the long run, there is still time to change the road you are on.” How do I know this is your time? Because you are reading this right now.
And just like the live version asks, “does anybody remember laughter?” That is your signal to find a sport that makes you laugh again. Something that makes you feel like a kid hitting a baseball into a tree branch and everyone yelling “do over.”
You have GOT2ManUP. Get off the couch. Write down every negative thought stopping you from trying a new sport. Thoughts like “I am too old” or “I will never be as good as I used to be” or “I do not have time.” When you are done writing them down, tear the paper into tiny pieces and throw it in the trash where those lies belong.
You can do this. I want to help you. If you are really out of shape, follow the diet and exercise programs on this website for a month before you find a sport. This helps you avoid injury and builds confidence.
While you are getting into shape, think about what you want to try. Tennis (of course I list that first), touch football, swimming, running, bicycling, two man volleyball, surfing, mountain biking, marathon running, triathlons, cross country skiing, or anything that gets your heart pumping.
Just get out and give something a try. Meantime, here are some cardio ideas I have done and still do. Please consult with a doctor before doing cardio or picking up a new sport.
Why You Must Find a Sport for Long Term Health
There is nothing like the physical, emotional, and mental shift that happens when you find a sport that feels right for you. It gets you moving. It challenges your mind. It gives you something to look forward to. That is what many men over 40 are missing. When you find a sport, you tap into competition, purpose, and joy again.
How to Choose Your Sport When You Are Ready to Find a Sport
When you are ready to find a sport, pick something based on the following:
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It excites you a little
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It scares you in a good way
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It gets your heart pumping
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It forces you to show up
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It gets you outdoors or around people
The right choice will feel like a spark. The more you listen to that spark, the faster you will build momentum.
Take your fitness to the next level with the Got2Manup fitness blueprint.
Sources
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Harvard Health. The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-mood -
Mayo Clinic. Exercise and Stress Relief.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469 -
CDC. Benefits of Physical Activity.
https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.htm -
Better Health Channel. Exercise and Mental Health.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health -
National Institute on Aging. Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity/staying-motivated -
Cleveland Clinic. Why Adults Should Play Sports.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-adults-should-play-sports
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Am I too old to find a sport and start playing again?
No. People start new sports in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Age is not the problem. Inactivity is.
2. What if I am completely out of shape before I find a sport to try?
Start with basic conditioning for a few weeks. Build strength and mobility so your body is ready.
3. How do I pick the right sport for me?
Choose something that excites you and challenges you. The best sport is the one you will stick with.
4. What if I am not competitive anymore?
Competition is optional. Joy is the goal. When you find a sport you enjoy, the motivation comes naturally.
5. How long does it take to feel the benefits after I find a sport?
Most people feel better within a few sessions. Energy improves. Mood lifts. Confidence builds.
