When the weather warms up, there are plenty of sports and activities to engage in for fun or fitness.
For some activities, there are costs involved. For others, availability of a facility might be an issue.
But overall, there’s something for just about everyone.
Disc golf
While hardcore disc golf fans choose to spend money on a variety of discs, similar to golfers owning a variety of clubs for different conditions, newcomers and casual fans can get started with one or two discs that can be found at a relatively low cost.
The challenge might be to find a place to play. The good news is municipalities that do have courses usually allow golfers to play for free.
People of all ages can play, and the health benefits include taking 5,000 to 6,000 steps on a typical 18-hole course. Disc golf can also have a positive mental and emotional effect, with time spent outside and among friends.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a sport that keeps growing and now even has its own U.S. National Championships and U.S. Open Tournament. There is even an International Pickleball Federation serving 91 countries including Iran and Kuwait.
Millions of recreational players, however, enjoy it as a fun and social sport that resembles tennis and ping-pong.
Most of the court time is free. Equipment prices vary, but a set of two paddles and pickleballs can be purchased for a relatively low price online.
Pickleballers experience health benefits such as improved balance, hand-eye coordination, improved heart and bone health, and boosting mood and mental health.
Bicycling
Cyclists don’t have to travel hundreds of miles or ride fast to get fit. Leisurely rides soaking in nature and other sites can work as well.
The low-impact workout — which can be high- or low-intensity, on trails or in neighborhoods — can increase strength, cardiovascular endurance and improve balance.
It’s also an activity that people of all ages can take part in, though bikes vary widely in price.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the simplest forms of exercise.
Of course, there can be more to it than simply walking. The distance and the degree of difficulty of a trail play into it. Hilly terrains, walking on unpaved trails and other wrinkles can make hiking more than a casual stroll.
But hiking does a world of good for the body. It can be a total-body workout, strengthening large muscles and boosting mood and energy levels.
The cost varies based on equipment like shoes, hiking boots, backpacks and items like a first-aid kit.
Fishing
Health benefits from fishing?
Really?
Really.
While fishing may appear to be very easy on the body, the activity can do wonders for the mind.
Being outside and benefitting from nature can improve mental health and fishing can lower a person’s blood pressure and enhance physical strength.
Like with most activities, the cost varies. Rods and reel can cost less than $50, but experienced fishermen can shell out hundreds and even thousands of dollars on equipment. Those who are serious enough to buy a boat are definitely going to have to spend.
Be aware that some places require fishing licenses, but some states also allow for designated free fishing days.
Running/Racing
There are some people who love to run because they love to run. Others love to compete in races to see if they can shave precious seconds off their personal-best times.
For the competitors, there are plenty of local races available of various distances, from one-mile competitions to 26.2-mile marathons. Some races benefit charities.
Don’t expect to just show up and run. The prudent thing to do is to train for each race.
The 5K races (3.1 miles) are most popular because they are challenging without being overbearing. Beginners should train for eight weeks before tackling a 5K. To get started, a runner should be able to run a mile and build from there.
Running shoes vary in price as do race entry fees.
