The crisp autumn weather is the perfect time to work up a sweat. And you don’t even have to worry about bundling up; there are tons of activities you can do indoors that will keep you moving and grooving all through the fall and into winter.
So, use Move it Monday as an excuse to try them out.
Whether you’re an established athlete or someone just looking for a fun time running around with friends, these five indoor sports will undoubtedly bring out your inner elementary-schooler (and maybe a little bit of your competitive side).
Dodgeball
This childhood classic has a reputation as being a bit brutal, but when played responsibly — and with the right type of ball — the game can definitely get your heart rate pumping. After all, fear is a very powerful motivator.
Volleyball
It’s not too hard to find a local indoor volley ball league; all you need is a net and three to four players on each side. The constant jumping, backpedaling, and shuffling side-to-side will have you breaking a serious sweat.
Badminton
Badminton sits at the crossroads of tennis and ping pong. Although you’re not covering the same distance as you would on the tennis court, the rapid back-and-forth exchange on the badminton court will definitely wear you out. Traditional badminton is played on an indoor court and requires a net, but speedminton can be played with just rackets and a birdie (aka shuttlecock).
Pick-Up Basketball
Whether you’re playing 5-on-5 full court or a casual game of HORSE, there’s no way you won’t burn some calories playing a game of pick-up basketball. During the winter a lot of gymnasiums or athletic centers offer intermural sports leagues of varying age groups and ability. Even if your game isn’t where it was in high school, you’ll instantly remember that gratifying feeling that comes with every sunk three-pointer.
Zumba
You might have heard of Zumba, the popular exercise program that incorporates different styles of dance like salsa, reggaetón, and merengue into one super-charged fitness routine. Ask your local gym if they offer any classes; most people get hooked after one hour-long session, which, by the way, can burn up to 600 calories.
Do you ever find yourself wanting to play a game of something, but then find you don’t have enough people who can play, all at the same time? Without a social sport league, it’s like herding cats! The RecCentre has some solutions for you!
These sessions are scheduled each week, and all you have to do is turn up. If you’re the first to arrive, you can come to our reception and ask for the equipment you need, and get it started. As people arrive, you’ll start to get enough to play. In Term 1, we have designated sessions for Futsal, Volleyball and Pickleball for anyone to join in. Bring a friend, or come alone and meet some new friends!
2. Shoot hoops and join a pickup game
There’s a nice community of regular ballers down at the RecCentre, and you can often roll up and find yourself a pickup game with randoms.
3. Enter a team in a social sport league or join UCASS
If you want to play in a social sport league (We offer Netball, Basketball, Futsal and Volleyball), you can enter a team if you have one. If you don’t have enough for a team every week, then consider joining the UC Amateur Sports Society. UCASS are a fabulous lot, award winning even, who collaborate with us to run the social sport leagues, and they have a number of teams entered in every league we offer that they can probably slot you into. Chat to them at UC Clubs’ days this week.
4. Book a court and play with a friend
Of course, if you have 1 friend you can rely on to have a go with you, you can always book a squash, badminton or pickleball court and have a bash. All equipment is always free to borrow from reception, or you can bring your own. Court hire is free before 3pm daily, and after 3pm it’s not. You can book online (there’s a link in your app that will take you to the booking site), or you can just stop at reception to check availability and book there.
Remember to keep moving for both your physical and mental health! Keep it fun, enjoyable and be consistent and you’ll be winning.
Ngā mihi
UC Rec&Sport | Te Ratonga Hākinakina
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