Trending Sports
Traditional sports such as running, cycling or swimming will always be popular but recently there has been a rise in demand for more social sports that can be easily taken up as a new hobby. Many people today are looking for hobbies that combine exercise, social interaction and enjoyment rather than purely competitive sport. Sports such as pickleball, padel and bouldering have been increasingly more popular as of late for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Why Sport Is So Important
Sport plays an important role in both our physical and mental health. Participating in regular physical activity helps to improve our cardiovascular health, build muscle and maintain a healthy body weight. It also reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, enhances brain health and improves overall wellbeing (World Health Organization, 2024). Beyond the physical benefits, sport and especially team sports are known to help people build friendships and a sense of community.
Current physical activity recommendations for all adults in Ireland are 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week (HSE, 2024). Examples of moderate intensity physical activity are walking briskly, tennis or dancing. Examples of vigorous-intensity physical activity are running, fast-paced cycling or circuit training.
If you’re thinking of getting back into sport but have tried and tested all of the usual suspects, why not try any of the next three. Although not necessarily new on the scene, they have had a resurgence within recent times.
3 Trending Sports
1. Pickleball
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years. The game is similar to tennis, with elements of badminton and table tennis combined. It is played on a smaller court than tennis, and equipment include a pickleball paddle racquet and a lightweight plastic ball. Due to the smaller court size and lighter ball, this is the perfect sport for beginners due its slower pace. Games are usually played in double which makes it a very social and an accessible sport.
2. Padel
Padel is also similar to tennis but is played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls that players can use to their advantage during the game. Unlike tennis though, serves in padel are underhand, making the game easier for beginners to pick up. However, due to the added challenge of the enclosed court, it does take some getting used to. Nonetheless still a fun and exciting sport to try with a friend.
3. Rock climbing & Bouldering
Indoor climbing gyms have also grown rapidly in popularity in many cities. Rock climbing and bouldering combine physical strength with mental problem solving. Bouldering is a style of climbing performed on shorter walls without ropes, using padded mats for safety. Climbers attempt short routes known as “problems,” which require technique, balance and creative movement. Climbing is appealing because progress is visible as skills improve. Many climbing gyms also promote supportive and inclusive communities where beginners feel comfortable learning and developing their abilities.
References:
World Health Organization (2024). Physical activity. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity.
HSE (2024). Every Move Counts - New guidelines aim to encourage people of Ireland to sit less and get more active - HSE News. [online] about.hse.ie. Available at: https://about.hse.ie/news/every-move-counts-new-guidelines-aim-to-encourage-people-of-ireland-to-sit-less-and-get-more-active/.
