Adding physical activity to your daily routine is one of the best ways to boost your overall health, but typical athletic sports (running and swimming) or lifting weights can be discouraging. Luckily, you can improve your physical health by playing sports you might not immediately think of as being particularly athletic. These activities are rewarding and challenging, and they can build your strength, endurance, and flexibility in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a fun way to stay fit, these surprisingly athletic sports might be just what you need to improve your physical health.
3 Surprisingly Athletic Sports To Consider:
Horseback Riding
To people with no experience, horseback riding makes it seem like the horse is doing all the work. Anyone who’s spent even a short amount of time in the saddle can tell you that this couldn’t be further from the truth! Horseback riding is an impressive physical activity that demands strength, balance, agility, and stamina from the rider. You should engage your core muscles during every session in the saddle because they stabilize your body and keep you balanced as you lead the horse.
Beyond building core strength, horseback riding works your legs in ways that stationary workouts can’t replicate. You’ll rely heavily on your inner thighs, hamstrings, and calves to maintain control of your balance and communicate with your horse. Even your upper body gets involved, as holding the reins and maintaining good posture engages your back, shoulders, and arms.
If you’re serious about riding, your gear can also make a huge difference in your experience. Choosing the right riding jeans can provide the comfort and flexibility you need to focus on handling your horse and improving your technique in this surprisingly athletic sports activity.
Fencing
Fencing might not immediately come to mind when you think of working out, but this is a surprisingly athletic sports activity that can improve your physical health. Each session is a perfect mix of agility, strategy, and precision, literally keeping you on your toes as you spar with your opponent.
On a physical level, fencing is exceptional for building quick reflexes while improving your balance and coordination. The frequent lunges, quick footwork, and explosive movements target a variety of muscles in your legs, core, arms, and back. It’s an intense and fast-paced sport, so your cardiovascular system also gets a great workout every time you fence.
Dancing
Some people might hesitate to think of dancing as being part of athletic sports, but anyone who has tried it—from recreational dancers to seasoned competitors—knows how physically demanding it can be. Dance engages your entire body, requiring flexibility, control, rhythm, and incredible endurance while moving to the beat.
What makes dancing such a fantastic physical activity is its sheer versatility. Whether you’re twirling in a ballroom, performing powerful moves to hip-hop music, or learning intricate steps in salsa, you’re burning calories and building strength, balance, and endurance. This surprisingly athletic sports activity keeps your legs and core constantly engaged, your balance improves as you perform spins and leaps, and the repetitive actions give your cardiovascular fitness a significant boost.
This article was written for WHN by Casey Cartwright, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries, from highly technical to consumer and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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