Exercising is an essential part of staying healthy. This is especially true if you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle. However, not everyone is interested in becoming a gym rat. Fortunately, there are other ways to remain fit that don’t involve staring at a wall as you walk on a treadmill. 
Playing sports is the best alternative. If you’re not a fan of basketball and other mainstream sports, you’re in the right place. We’re about to go over some interesting alternatives you can learn that will help you feel healthier. 

Volleyball 

Volleyball is such an underrated yet fun sport that anyone can play. It’s a team activity that keeps you constantly moving. An average player jumps over 300 times during a game, not to mention all the running you’ll be doing. This ancient sport is a great way to get in shape and stay fit. 
The best thing about volleyball is that you can play it anywhere. You don’t need a dedicated court. In fact, you can go to a beach, stick two poles into the ground, drag a piece of string across, draw boundaries, and you’re good to go. 

Golf 

Golf isn’t really the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about sports that push the limits of athleticism. However, it all depends on how you approach the game. If you’re on a vacation down south, and you decide to take golf lessons in Florida, you’ll find that most golf courses aren’t exactly flat. Ditch the golf cart, and you’re in for a proper cardio workout. 
Walking is a great way to start working on your fitness after years of neglect. If you decide to walk from one hole to another carrying your golf bag, you will break a sweat. 

Rock Climbing 

Although a casual beginner climber won’t be scaling any 5.11b cliffs anytime soon, rock climbing can still be a very fulfilling sport. There are plenty of bouldering and rock climbing gyms where you can try your skill on various bouldering walls. 
The thing to remember about rock climbing is that it requires some amount of physical fitness. You need to be able to push yourself vertically with relative comfort. That being said, climbing is extremely fun and highly challenging. If you’re looking for a full-body exercise, this is it. 

Ultimate Frisbee 

Ultimate Frisbee is one of those sports that rarely end up in the spotlight. Yet, it’s one of the most challenging competitive team sports that is also fun to play. The whole idea behind the Ultimate Frisbee is similar to football, except there is no ball, and you don’t need tonnes of padding. 
Playing this sport requires plenty of running but also plenty of jumping and diving. Those who play on the regular say that it’s very easy to get hooked, especially if you find a good team to play with. 

BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be the ultimate martial art. More importantly, it’s a martial art you can start practicing at any time. Late Anthony Bourdain had discovered BJJ in his 60s and he fell in love with it. All you need is to find a good school that will keep you on your toes and learning. 
You’ll quickly find out just how taxing it is to try and submit someone, especially if that person knows how to defend. Your stamina will grow, and you’ll most definitely become healthier by practicing BJJ. Lastly, BJJ is a great way to ensure that you can handle yourself should you need to. If you’re familiar with modern fighting sports, you know that BJJ is the foundation of any ground combat. It’s the ultimate skill to know if self-defense is a concern. 

Soccer

Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, isn’t exactly something you’d call new. However, it is a sport that could use some more representation in the United States. Soccer offers a great way to get a good cardio session done with plenty of HIIT moments. You’ll be running and sprinting a lot, which will slowly build your explosive power and stamina.
The convenient thing about soccer is that it’s easy to learn. The rules are simple, and you can play at any open field. 

Starting a New Sport 

Starting a new sport can be challenging if you’re not an athletic person. The key is to pace yourself and find a tempo that fits you. Rushing things in any sport, including golf, can lead to injury. Take your time and listen to your body. 
Fitness is a long term game that takes time and effort. Also, it’s always a good idea to combine two or more sports if you’ve got time to spare. For example, BJJ and soccer is an awesome combo of HIIT cardio and slow-burn cardio. If you can add some weight training into the mix, you’re golden. 

WRITTEN BY

Daria Brown