We are a nation of sports lovers and fitness fanatics. Evidence of this can be found everywhere, from packed-out public gyms and swimming pools to viewing figures around the top sports fixtures, including the NFL Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and English Premier League.

Moreover, the data suggests those numbers will increase this year, as fans flock to watch the biggest games.

Are you a regular at the gym working on cardio and resistance training, or part of a local sports team, such as soccer, MMA, or athletics? A reported 265 million people worldwide regularly engage in sporting activity, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries. But our love affair with sport doesn’t stop there; you don’t need a pair of running shoes or boxing gloves to get moving.

A fun way to build your fitness

In addition to those playing sports as a hobby, at an amateur level, or on a professional contract, there are countless people who use sports for fitness and to boost confidence or improve their mental health.

Should you give it a go in 2023 and finally get serious about fitness? We all know the dangers in old age that come from taking knocks to the head in certain sports, like football and kickboxing.

But the benefits far outweigh the risks. You must consider both sides of the argument to make an informed, researched, and fact-based decision on choosing a sport to ramp up your fitness. Feel free to consult your doctor before joining a team.

The benefits of sports are well-documented, and in the next section of our article, we explain those that should feature heavily in the decision-making process. If you’re worried about taking a knock on the field of play or at the gym, this may put your mind at ease. If you have little experience in sports but are looking for sound advice, we’ve got you covered.

Enforce punctuality

Many people struggle to be punctual; unfortunately, some learn bad habits from their parents and things never change. They’re always running late, behind schedule, or busy catching up. If that describes your mood, you’ll be glad to learn it isn’t permanent and doesn’t have to be your fate. We encourage our readers to aim higher.

Suppose you are interested in playing football with the simple aim of enjoying the sport with like-minded friends and neighbors. To stand any chance of making it into the starting lineup of a local team, you must be punctual, hard-working, and dedicated.

You won’t realize it at the time, but this does more than help fitness and improve your mood. It breeds good habits which can be taken into other areas of your life.

Make new friends

Professional sport is all about money, contracts, and public image. It’s not as glamorous as it may seem to those watching the game live on TV or reading interviews in the newspaper. If you are serious about pushing yourself in sports, you must understand that only a tiny percentage of people make it to a professional level.

Most achieve that not through skill but by turning up and being consistent. That means you’ll likely share the field with some genuinely skilled players who may now be past their best but can pass on their wisdom.

Thankfully, sport at the amateur level is about fun and friendship. Some of the best people you’ll meet will come through sports, which could help build lasting friendships. Anyone with a sporting background will be more than happy to help you out if required.

Supports heart health

Training for and competing in sports is crucial in supporting a healthy heart. During sports, the heart must work harder to continue the steady blood supply to your body, including all vital organs. In a short period, participating in sports will make you fitter and healthier with a more conditioned heart.

The type of sport is optional as long as it’s something you enjoy doing. Forcing yourself into sports could put you off for life, blocking any thoughts of healthy living in the future. Try different disciplines, talk to friends and other players, and get as much information as you can before settling on a choice.

Choosing the right club

The best way to excel at your chosen sport is to ensure you join the best club or gym in your area and within your budget. You may get lucky and find the best team on your first attempt, but you should know everything about the team, coaches, and the other players before committing.

Will they look after you or is there a culture of bullying? The more you know, the better the team you will be connected to through sports.