| Exercise and Sport. Most of us, keep fit | | | | This is a great option unless the whole idea of |
| enthusiasts excepted, will sooner or later, suffer | | | | exercise without seeing a tangible result after |
| from the dawning realization that our mirrors are | | | | each session doesn't appeal and the idea of |
| telling us that our bottoms are sagging, our | | | | running, lifting weights and other similar gym type |
| stomachs are bulging and our faces are getting | | | | exercises fills you with total boredom. |
| puffy. | | | | So lets look at Sport. |
| Some will just accept natures way and carry on | | | | All sports have a definite objective and that is to |
| with their usual lifestyle but there will be others | | | | win or lose at the end of a session. |
| that want to regain a trim and toned body and | | | | I cannot think of a recognized sport in which |
| that feeling of well being that comes with being fit. | | | | women don't take part, even the roughest and |
| No matter what age you are when you become | | | | toughest such as Rugby Union and League, |
| aware of the dreaded signs that your body is not | | | | American Football. Wrestling and Boxing have |
| the temple of excellence that you expected it to | | | | ladies teams competing against each other. Male |
| remain. Sloth, bad habits and diet will have their | | | | or female, there are very few bars to taking up |
| way. | | | | any sport you fancy. |
| They will affect even a teenager's body in just | | | | Anybody can take part in any sport; the question |
| the same way as it will with any older person. | | | | is whether to take up a team sport or an |
| Having the right genes plays a huge part in our | | | | individual sport. |
| ability to delay the deteriorating effects of a bad | | | | Both will have clubs and associations and with few |
| lifestyle but sooner or later the body will begin | | | | exceptions will welcome new members |
| give out ever-stronger signals that action should | | | | irrespective of their ability and most have an |
| be taken to restore it to the way it was. | | | | emphasis on the social side of their activities so |
| So what are the options? | | | | making new friends and acquaintances with |
| The first thought that comes to many peoples | | | | common interests is an added bonus. |
| mind is jogging. It does not require any expensive | | | | The competitive atmosphere generated in sports |
| equipment, just trainers and any old clothes to | | | | clubs can become infectious and is a spur to |
| suit the weather and can be carried out at any | | | | increasing physical fitness to better ones |
| convenient time of the day or even night. | | | | performance on the playing field, court or |
| OK that's fine for those who prefer their own | | | | wherever the sport is taking place. |
| company but if you suffer from loneliness or just | | | | For those who cannot get on with fast ball games |
| don't want to be alone when pounding the | | | | such as Tennis, Squash or Racquetball there are |
| highways and byways of your neighborhood you | | | | many other options open. |
| will have to find a friend who shares your | | | | Fencing, with three disciplines (foil, epee and sabre) |
| dedication to getting fit. | | | | requires good reflexes and fast feet, Wrestling |
| Incidentally there is a school of thought that | | | | needs application to technique good balance and |
| considers jogging one of the worst activities for | | | | strength. Then there is Judo, various martial arts, |
| causing joint problems and associated pain. | | | | archery, boxing and a large variety of athletic |
| Another option is to equip a home gym if you | | | | pursuits. Football of whatever kind is so popular |
| have the spare space. | | | | that a team to suit any standard of play however |
| Whether you buy just a few weights and maybe | | | | poor, is likely to be located nearby. |
| find a second hand simple treadmill or even if you | | | | My Dad who is 70 still plays a two-hour |
| can afford a comprehensive multi-gym machine it | | | | competitive game of tennis three times a week |
| will still cost you. | | | | and has recently taken up golf once a week so |
| As with all exercise regimes you will have to have | | | | he will have a sport when he is too old for tennis. |
| the will power to continue with what can | | | | He still contrives to get out of taking the family's |
| eventually become a boring routine, particularly so | | | | little Shih-Tzu dog for a short daily walk because |
| if budget and space consideration limit your choice | | | | he says that just walking is boring |
| of equipment. | | | | Another alternative for those who find road and |
| Again great if you have company to help keep | | | | gym work tedious and boring is to take up |
| you going as listening to music on an I-pod or | | | | swimming. |
| watching telly while you go through your routine | | | | Clubs organize races, water polo, sub aqua and |
| can pall after a while. If you are a mother at least | | | | other water activities that also require a good |
| you haven't the problem of finding a baby sitter. | | | | level of fitness and provide competition, |
| If you are a sociable type join a gym. | | | | companionship and interest, as is the case with |
| You can keep your interest up by trying out the | | | | every sport. |
| variety of machines that a well run gym should | | | | So for that trim and toned body and to feel good |
| be equipped with, take advantage of the good | | | | without the drudgery of jogging or the dread of |
| advice on hand from the staff and probably find a | | | | boredom in the gym try taking up a sport. |
| new circle of friends with the same interests | | | | There is a sport suitable for every one whatever |
| which should help you sustain your efforts. | | | | their age, shape, standard or disability. |
| Subscriptions vary but are usually affordable. | | | | "˜Sport for all' means exactly what it says! |