Strap yourself in for a thrilling year of sport as the top fixtures come at us thick and fast over the next few weeks. Sports fans have already enjoyed an exciting 2024, and there’s plenty more to come, with some eye-catching fixtures on the horizon. The schedule has already given us the Australian Open, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, the Grand National, and English Premier League. But we’re just getting warmed up. There’s something for everyone this year.
Soccer lovers welcomed the return of the UEFA European Championship in June as the best teams arrived in Germany for a fascinating renewal. The host nation brought the curtain up with a stunning 5-1 win over Scotland following the opening ceremony. Such an emphatic win prompted traders working at the best Las Vegas betting online apps to make Team Germany favorites to lift the famous silverware. Other popular picks are England, France, and defending champions Italy.
When the soccer spectacular ends in Germany, attentions switch to France for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The most talented athletes in the world descend on Paris, aiming to capture Olympic gold. Team USA is expected to collect the most medals, but it would be foolish to overlook the hosts, with France eager to show her strength.
You can watch the action from Germany and France on TV or through your smartphone at the best live-streaming apps. The leading sportsbooks offer a long list of specials and bonuses on the events.
Get inspired
One of the main objectives of UEFA and the Olympic Committee is to inspire people worldwide to get more involved in sports. The target audience is the young, fit, and determined people who dream of becoming the next European champion or Olympic Games gold medallist. Paris 2024 will inspire millions of young people to get outside, get active, and enjoy sports. But inspiration isn’t just for the youth.
You’re never too old to enjoy sports, and we aim to prove it in this article. Some sports, like American football, boxing, and MMA, are better suited to younger competitors, but many are perfect for the over-50s. Playing sports after the age of 50 offers many physical and mental health benefits, including weight loss and improved heart health. Fancy giving it a go and becoming a better, fitter, stronger, and healthier version of yourself? The best time to begin is right now.
Keep reading as we list some popular sports you can try this year. We’ve gone for a good mix of gentle games and more challenging sports to ensure there’s something for everyone. By the end of this article, you’ll be pumped, inspired, and ready to get started on your fitness journey.
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Walking
Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of exercise for people over 50. It is low-impact, easy on the joints, and can be done almost anywhere. Nordic walking, which involves using poles similar to ski poles, adds an upper-body workout to the mix, increasing the overall benefits.
Regular walking improves heart health, reduces the risk of heart disease, and lowers blood pressure. Its low-impact nature is gentle on the joints, reducing the risk of injury. Walking groups and clubs offer a social component, making exercise more enjoyable and consistent.
Swimming
Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that is gentle on the joints, making it ideal for older adults. Water aerobics, which involves performing aerobic exercises in the water, provides similar benefits with added resistance from the water.
The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints and spine, minimizing the risk of injury. Swimming engages multiple muscle groups and improves cardiovascular endurance. Water resistance helps improve flexibility and balance, which are crucial for preventing falls.
Cycling
Cycling, whether on a stationary bike, road bike, or mountain bike, is a popular activity for those over 50. It can be tailored to different fitness levels and provides a great cardiovascular workout.
Cycling strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Like swimming, cycling is low-impact and gentle on the joints. It helps build and maintain leg muscles, which are important for mobility and stability.
Golf
Golf is a popular sport among older adults due to its moderate physical activity combined with social interaction. Walking the course, carrying or pushing clubs, and swinging all contribute to physical activity.
Walking the course and swinging the clubs provide cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening benefits. Strategy and concentration are required in golf to help keep the mind sharp. Golf is often played in groups, promoting social engagement and camaraderie.
Tennis
Tennis is a classic sport enjoyed by many older adults. However, pickleball, a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity among the over-50 crowd due to its smaller court and slower pace.
Both sports provide a good cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and endurance. Racquet sports enhance hand-eye coordination and agility. Both tennis and pickleball are social sports, often played in doubles, fostering social connections.
Yoga
Yoga and Tai Chi are ancient practices that focus on flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Due to their gentle movements and emphasis on breathing and relaxation, they are highly beneficial for older adults.
Both practices improve flexibility, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. The mindfulness and breathing techniques used in yoga and Tai Chi promote relaxation and reduce stress. Gentle movements help maintain joint health and reduce stiffness.
Bowling
Bowling is a social and physical activity that can be enjoyed at any age. It requires moderate physical exertion and is often played in leagues, making it a popular choice for older adults.
Bowling provides a moderate cardiovascular workout and helps build upper body strength. The precision required to bowl improves hand-eye coordination. Bowling leagues and clubs offer regular social interaction and camaraderie.
Time to get active
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on the best sports for people over 50. Now, it’s time to get moving and active. Walking is the easiest way to get started, and you can build your fitness and confidence before trying other sports, including tennis and bowling.