Three Popular Sports for People Over 50
Pickleball, Nordic walking and yoga have all seen jumps in popularity in recent years with the over 50 crowd. These activities are open to people with varying physical abilities and depending on how often one practices them, they can improve balance and overall fitness, while also offering a fun and often social experience! Let us break down these three popular sports, and show you how you can get involved and learn more!
Pickleball
You’ve probably heard of pickleball— this paddle sport is being called the world’s fastest-growing sport. A pickleball game uses elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, and games can be played as doubles or singles. Its inclusion of a non-volley zone (known in the sport as a “kitchen”) makes the sport much less focused on running than its tennis or badminton counterparts, which can make it more accessible to those with mobility concerns. Professional pickleball tournaments have opened up, although the majority of players play for fun in a variety of places, including modified tennis courts and driveways. Want to learn more about pickleball firsthand or improve your skills? Practice and play at Québec’s idyllic Glen Sutton Lodge, or learn from IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professionals in the gorgeous setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nordic Walking
Want to step up your walking routine? By incorporating Nordic poles, you can work more muscles on a walk, while still taking in fresh air and beautiful views. Nordic walking is similar to cross-country skiing, using the poles to help propel your movement along the sidewalk or trail you are walking on. These poles also help you to work muscles throughout your body, as well as providing stability. If you’d like to take your Nordic walks with a spectacular view, embark on a learning adventure throughout the Netherlands that will combine heart-pumping exercise with historic scenery. Your body and mind will benefit on this adventure!
Yoga
Yoga dates back thousands of years and has its roots in spiritual practice. Today, yoga is practiced across the world in a variety of styles, and is popular because of its ability to help strengthen core muscles and reduce anxiety. The ability to modify poses and incorporate breathing techniques and meditation makes yoga an accessible form of exercise that can also promote mental well-being. So whether you’d like to improve your warrior pose or learn how to do a proper downward dog, yoga may be just the thing to help strengthen and relax you!
Want to learn more about yoga? Enjoy beginner to intermediate yoga instruction in North Carolina, or explore a range of healing techniques in Arizona or New Mexico.