Maybe you’re sick and tired of being out of shape.
Perhaps you’re bored of working out alone in the gym or find yourself mentally exhausted during those hour-long jogs with nobody to talk to.
Either way, the idea of getting back into sports after years of inactivity or flying solo can be both thrilling and daunting. Beyond the health benefits, consider why so many men find themselves returning to sports such as…
- The sense of competition: testing yourself and reinvigorating your fighting spirit is certainly a rush, right?
- The concept of comradery: bonding and creating personal relationships through playing sports is always a plus for those of us who crave social interaction
- Having a meaningful hobby: rather than remain sedentary, playing sports gets us off the couch and provides us something to look forward to week after week
So, if you need to step back into the game after years of being away, what exactly do you need to do? From essential gear to the right mindset, consider the following three must-do’s for getting back on the field regardless of what sport you plan on playing.
Invest in The Right Gear
Before you decide to rush into a rec league, you’re going to need the right gear to make sure that you’re comfortable and safe. Consider, for example…
- Dry-fit clothing that will keep you from sweating like crazy (note: especially important for your socks)
- The right footwear: shin-splints and ankle injuries may be in your future if you do any intense physical activity in your old pair of sneakers
- Gear that can take a beating such as tactical military watches, allowing you to boast a sense of style while you’re working up a sweat
Get Your Head in the Game
If it’s been a long time since you’ve played sports or even done much in terms of physical activity, don’t fret. Many men are in the same boat and understand that while rec league or office league sports are indeed competitive, friendship and teamwork trump all else on the field. While you should certainly work to support your team, don’t expect to be a superstar from day one.
Know Your Limits
Obviously if you have a history of injuries, you’re going to need to ease into any sport you decide to play. In some cases, it might make sense to do some independent sports conditioning plus some bike-riding or light jogging to help ease yourself into more intense activities. Jumping right in could be potentially dangerous for your health if you aren’t careful: when in doubt, take it easy.
Pick the Right Sport
Bear in mind that there is no “right” sport for men to play. While you may naturally be inclined to watch football or basketball, you might find that something like soccer or hockey might be more your speed in terms of intensity.
Ideally, you can jump back into something that you’ve played in the past, although that doesn’t mean you should shy away from a totally new game. As long as you find something that fits in with your activity level and has a league that meshes with your schedule, you’re fine. The most important aspect of any physical activity is that you’re committed to it for the long term, so pick a game that you legitimately enjoy versus settling.
Getting back into sports is a major rush for many men out there. With the right gear and mindset, you can jump back into your favorite game with a newfound sense of confidence.
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