With summer and summer holidays approaching in the northern hemisphere, many use the warmer days and longer light to get moving. The low bar to entry of walking and running means they regularly rank as widespread forms of exercise, but different countries have their own unique and popular sports and fitness habits. As exercise has been proven to have mental and physical benefits that last long after you’ve taken off your training gear, finding a way to stay active in a new place can make the adjustment much easier and contribute to overall wellbeing.
Here are just a handful of options from different locations:
Australia: While it’s not beach weather down under yet, with the ample coastline it is no surprise that Australians rank among the biggest swimmers in the world. Swimming regularly tops the list of the most popular sports in the country. Over 40% of Australians report swimming occasionally over the past year, and 15% swim regularly.
Brazil: Brazil is home of one of the most unique forms of marital arts, capoeira, which includes acrobatics and flowing, dance-like movements. It is also one of the beach volleyball capitals of the world, with an active outdoor sport culture.
China: The slow, practiced movements of tai chi have many benefits, including maintaining joint health, improving balance, and relieving stress. In most major parks in China you can find an informal tai chi practice between 6 and 9 a.m. Some require a small fee or are organized by specific tai chi schools, but some are free to join.
Finland: The national sport of Finland is pesäpallo, also known as “Finnish baseball.” The ball is pitched vertically, and the game proceeds faster than traditional baseball. The sport is extremely common at schools, even making its way into the national gym curriculum.
India: Cricket is a national pastime in India, both to watch and to play. Don’t think that just because you’re older you can’t join in the fun; the A-LEAGUE, India’s largest recreational league, just celebrated the 5th anniversary of its Gold Games for players 45 and up, with the 50+ and 55+ categories making strong showings.
The United States: When it comes to sports gym membership, the U.S. leads the world, with more than 64 million gym members attending one of over 100,000 gyms. There is a staggering number of choices beyond general fitness gyms, from weightlifting to crossfit to adult ballet, meaning anyone can find a gym that suits their needs.
Bonus: International fitness chains such as Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and Planet Fitness may be able to honor your home membership in your new country.
If you’re looking for a way to get moving and reduce stress, Living Abroad has articles on Sports and Fitness, as well as Kids Activities that include child-friendly sports and exercise options.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
