Ball games are fun, get you fit fast, and allow you to spend quality time with the important people in your life.
You’re never too old to pick up the ball and run with it.
Here are 9 ball sports you could play with your partner, family, a friend or group of friends to get your bodies moving and have some fun.
In childhood, a ball could light up our life as a favourite toy, a game in the playground, in a school team sport or just for fun in the park at the weekend. Somewhere along the way most of us forgot about balls – unless it is the fitness ball in the corner of the gym.
It is time to reignite the passion for ball sports and achieve a completely different workout for your body, whilst hanging out with the important people in your life.
Netball – if you are missing cute little skirts and being part of a team, netball could be the way to go. Whether you are playing Centre or Wing Defence, netball will give you a great aerobic workout and fire up your competitive spirit. There are women’s and mixed teams all over Sydney for those looking for amateur fun.
Basketball – even if you don’t want to join a league, you could find your local court and shoot a few hoops together with a friend or two. Set up a little workout combining runs, bounces, passes and shots and tag team to keep up the pace. You will work out your body and your brain with some hand eye coordination.
Touch footy or soccer – with a wealth of parks scattered around Sydney why not gather up the guys and gals for an outdoor group catch up. Place a couple of bags as goal posts and get your hearts racing for an hour before rewarding yourself with a good barbecue feed – of protein and salads.
Bare foot bowls – due to catch up with yours or your partner’s parents? Get them altogether for some light activity that will help look after their hearts and waistlines, as well as your own. Combine it with a delicious lunch and a few drinks and it’s the perfect day out for all. Sydney has a proliferation of bowling clubs, in some stunning locations such as the cliffs of Clovelly.
Volley ball or cricket – we live in a country of amazing beaches with a summer that lasts the best part of 7 months. So before you crash on the sand for a gossip, snooze or read of your book, get your sweat up with a volley ball or cricket challenge. The great thing about these games is you forget you’re doing exercise because you are focused on hitting and catching a ball – and winning! Beach too busy today? There is always the back yard game – it’s an Aussie institution!
Water polo – just add water, a soft ball and a few friends and start your own water polo game. Head to a no break part of the ocean or just a back yard pool. It’s a great way to keep your cool whilst exercising on a hot day and water provides the perfect medium for jumping and falling without injury.
Totem tennis – do you remember totem tennis? You used to whip your brother or sisters’ ass! Well they still sell them and for just few dollars. So if no one can come out to play and you don’t want to venture far. Get your totem on and have your own Australian Open for one. Remember it’s how many times you can hit the ball in a row without missing, whilst changing the ball’s direction – every rotation if you still have it in you!
What’s your favourite ball sport?
By Rachel Livingstone Personal Trainer & Owner of The Health Hub www.healthhub.net.au
