Shifting Perspectives: How Recreational Sports Help Reach Happiness Goals
We’re into month three of our New Years Resolutions.
How’s it goin’ for ya?
It’s reported that only 20% of people have stuck with their well-intentioned health and fitness goals into the month of March. There’s a steep drop off once spring activities kick in, workouts get old, or we simply can’t commit to the habit.
Each year, we’re bombarded with advertisements flashing six-pack abs and sweaty high-intensity classes, often making us think that’s what we’re supposed to do; making us believe that’s the only way fitness counts. Gyms capitalize on all our good intentions. But what happens when all the New Year inspiration fades away?
Intense workout routines and expensive fitness facilities are a barrier for many. For those who didn’t grow up as athletes, the gym can be a scary place. Beginners often struggle to find a workout program that works well for them and ultimately no longer want to attend. This is unfortunate - because we all deserve access to move and work on our well-being.
But our health and wellness goals don’t have to be directly tied to how reps of deadlifts we’ve done at the gym. What if we counted how many volleyball serves or swimming dance moves instead? What if wellness was counted in high-fives with teammates or learning a new skill on the skateboard?
Recreational activities give us arguably MORE benefit than just a standard workout routine. Recreation is tied with play, leisure, enjoyment, and fulfilment. When we partake in recreational activities, we’re moving our bodies, using our brains, and often engaging with others in the process. It’s a way for us to meet health and wellness goals without it feeling like such a task. We can elevate our heart rate and use our muscles while partaking in an enjoyable event.
Recreational activities can vary in intensity, price, and location. But for the most part, they are much more accessible than a gym membership. At the easiest level, joining a local walking club is a great way to explore new parks and meet neighborhood friends. Joining recreational sports leagues such as volleyball or bowling allows you to practice a new skill and work collaboratively with teammates. Feeling adventurous? Rock climbing can challenge your body and mind in a way that feels thrilling.
There’s a lot of psychology that goes into our reactions to “working out”. We don’t always love the idea of working more after we’ve already put in a long day at the office. Many people don’t align with the level of intensity that’s presented to us in order to reach health and fitness goals. But we want to start something new, move our bodies, and most importantly - make it last as a life-long habit.
When we participate in leisure-based activities, our minds are generally more open to the experience. We’re going into it with more curiosity than dread. Because of this, sticking with a recreational activity can be more attainable. I’d much rather keep up with something I enjoy than something I hate… wouldn’t you agree?
Sure, there’s absolutely a benefit to strength training and putting miles on the treadmill. But if your New Years Resolution of doing so has already flopped, maybe its time to consider a new solution.
Find something fun and maybe even a bit silly! It’s often encouraged for adults to go back and try activities they enjoyed as a child. Were you a ballerina when you were 5? Try an adult dance class and see if you can leap like you used to. Did you enjoy horse riding at camp in your teens? Look into nearby stables and equine programs. Maybe you were on swim team and made it to the State Championship, but haven’t been in the pool in ages. Try a water workout and enjoy the serenity of being in the water.
I challenge you to switch out some words. Make “exercise” into “movement”. Take “workout” and change it to “playtime”. I know this may sound silly, but something happens when we trick our minds into thinking what we’re doing isn’t dreadful. Choosing to recreate can bring us closer to our health and happiness goals in a way that’s attainable.
So wherever you’re at in your health, fitness, or wellness goals in March - I hope you find the joy in moving.
Catch ya on the Pickleball courts!
