Published on Aug 10, 2024

Feeling inspired by the 2024 Olympics? Here’s how to start your fitness journey

Feeling inspired by the 2024 Olympics? Here’s how to start your fitness journey

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that Olympic fever has spread across the world in recent weeks. The Paris 2024 Olympics opened on Friday, 26th July, with competitors from across the world ready and waiting to demonstrate their sporting prowess. Since then, the games have inspired excitement, admiration, and hilarious memes, with many viewers developing newfound passions for niche sports (anyone for a game of futsal?).

For many, watching some of the world’s most impressive sportspeople battle for those all-important gold medals will inspire them to try new sports and get active. This is great news! Currently, over half of Australian adults and 70% of children fail to meet recommended physical activity levels. As you’re probably well aware, lack of physical activity poses health risks, including obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, certain cancers, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, depression, and more. On the flip side, therefore, physically active adults tend to enjoy longer life expectancies.

So, if you’re raring to embark on your Olympian fitness journey and transform your health, what sport should you pick? And how should you go about developing your skills safely and healthily? In this handy guide, we discuss the importance of consulting your doctor before drawing up a workout routine, as well as the health benefits of different sports. Here’s to the start of a whole new you!

First things first: Talk to a doctor

While most people can safely engage in moderate physical activity such as brisk walking or gentle dancing, more vigorous activities could pose a risk of injury or other health problems. As such, talking to a doctor before lacing up your running shoes could help you determine the best types of activities for your age and health status. For example, you may want to raise the following factors during your consultation:

  • Any existing medical issues: People with problems such as joint pain, high blood pressure, anaemia, or long COVID will need to adapt their exercise routine to avoid worsening or triggering symptoms.
  • Recent medical procedures: Recent surgeries or other medical procedures may require healing time before you can engage in vigorous activity.
  • You’re new to exercise: While Olympians make exercise look like a breeze, the reality is very different. People with little experience of working out may be in for a shock when they attempt a 5-kilometre run, for example. A physician will be able to offer guidance about the best exercises to try as a newbie.

Once you’ve attended an initial consultation with your doctor, remember to book follow-up appointments to track progress and adapt your routine if necessary. You should also book an urgent appointment if you encounter any unusual symptoms while exercising, including:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Severe muscle or joint pain
  • Chest pain or palpitations
  • Severe back pain

In general, exercise shouldn’t interrupt your everyday life and wellbeing. While muscle soreness is common in the first few weeks of a new training programme, severe discomfort isn’t normal.

Choosing your sport

Okay, now for the fun part – choosing your new sport (or sports!). Naturally, there are some Olympic sports that may be a little trickier to attempt than others. Australians may not have access to the resources and terrain necessary for ski mountaineering, for example. However, many Olympic sports don’t require much specialist equipment or know-how.

With this in mind, we’ve selected some of the most popular and accessible activities you may wish to try. As well as detailing some of the health benefits, we’ve included pointers regarding whether given sports will suit your needs. Ultimately, the right sport for you is the sport you’re most likely to stick with – and different personalities suit different activities! So, here are a few suggestions to get you started…

1. Athletics (running)

Often considered the highlight of the Olympic games, the athletics encompass everything from the high jump to the marathon. A significant element of athletics involves running fast, far, or both – an activity that requires nothing but a pair of running shoes (and a little bit of willpower!).

Health benefits of running:

Is running right for you?

Running is great for people who:

  • Want a cost-effective way to work out – you just need shoes and comfy clothes!
  • Enjoy tracking personal bests and are strong-willed.
  • Appreciate solo forms of exercise (although you can also run in a group!)
  • Want to raise money for charity. There are plenty of money-raising races for which you can sign up.

2. Tennis

Tennis is another cost-effective sport, requiring only a racket and a net. There are also plenty of tennis clubs across the country for those looking to meet new people and stay motivated.

Health benefits of tennis:

Is tennis right for you?

Tennis is a good choice for people who:

  • Want to play a vigorous sport
  • Enjoy competitive sports you can play individually or with a partner
  • Enjoy sports that involve strategy and mental agility, as well as physical strength

3. Swimming

Swimming is a sport that people can take at their own pace. While Olympic swimmers appear to glide through the water at a superhuman pace, casual swimmers can afford to take things a little slower. Plus, you can choose to swim in a pool or safe open water. Australia is full of gorgeous rivers, lakes, and beaches, after all!

Health benefits of swimming:

Is swimming right for you?

Almost anyone can try swimming. Here are some signs it may work for you:

  • You have joint or mobility problems and would like to try a low-impact sport
  • You’re pregnant and would like to protect your joints
  • You enjoy being in the water – both indoors and in nature!
  • You’d like to start a sport you can continue well into your senior years

4. Rowing

Rowing is a great sport for water lovers who prefer to stay a little drier than swimmers. As well as teaching you to work well in a team, rowing will help you develop muscle mass. If you’re nervous about getting into a boat, start with a rowing machine to build your fitness.

Health benefits of rowing:

Is rowing right for you?

Rowing may work well for those who:

  • Don’t have much spare time and want to engage in a full-body workout
  • Are bored of going to the gym and wish to try something new
  • Would like to develop their teamwork and leadership skills
  • Appreciate the great outdoors!

5. Karate

Karate is one of the best-known martial arts and is renowned for its grounding in ancient Japanese tradition. Having gained popularity since the early twentieth century, millions of people now practice karate around the world.

Health benefits of karate:

Is karate right for you?

Keen to start earning your karate belts? Here are some signs karate may work well for you:

  • You’re interested in learning some self-defence skills
  • You’re able and willing to take a few falls (karate may not work well for those with limited mobility or certain health conditions)
  • You want to improve your discipline and mental health

6. Skateboarding

While skateboarding may feel like the domain of trendy teens, it’s a great way to get fit and have a ball. In fact, skateboarding has been shown to help middle-aged people fight depression and bond with their kids. Just make sure to don those all-important knee guards!

Health benefits of skateboarding:

  • Enhanced muscle strength and endurance
  • Better balance and coordination
  • Improved flexibility in the hips, legs, and ankles
  • Better mental health

Is skateboarding right for you?

Contrary to popular belief, skateboarding is a sport for people of all ages, including those who:

  • Are thrill-seekers and don’t mind the occasional fall
  • Enjoy getting involved with alternative movements and subcultures (skaters love their indie music and hip hop!)
  • Would like to meet new people and spend time at a skatepark

The bottom line: It’s time to get moving!

As you can see, the world of sports is highly diverse. While we’ve only mentioned a few examples of Olympic sports, there are plenty more to try! Whatever your age, gender, or health status, the right activity is out there to help develop your fitness and improve your overall health.

So, why not try your hand at a few sports today? It may take a little while to get into the groove and pursue a workout regime you enjoy. However, once fitness becomes a part of your daily life, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it! Finally – remember to take things at your own pace and check in with your health provider regularly.

Disclaimer:

This medical blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your regular doctor for specific medical concerns. The content is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication and may change. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding completeness or reliability. Use the information at your own risk. Links to other websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily representative of any institutions.

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