As a shy adult, how can I get involved in sports?

mfpc14
mfpc14 Posts: 6 Member
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

Replies

  • myheartsabattleground
    myheartsabattleground Posts: 2,040 Member
    Check your towns parks and rec office.
  • AvalonsUnicorn
    AvalonsUnicorn Posts: 425 Member
    actually would like to know this also.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    What sport are you interested in?

    For many sports (ie, tennis), lessons can be a good way to get involved. You will meet other people and they will introduce you to other people...

    For other sports, like soccer and volleyball, you are just going to have to show up and play.

    -check sites like meetup.com
    -check if your city has a recreational program
    -google leagues in your area
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    How shy are you? Is it crippling shyness or just nervousness?

    What kind of sports do you think you'd like?

    You could do some solitary stuff - gym / swimming / jogging - then other people don't really come into it - for running there's some great training apps (Zombies! Run / C25K)

    Or you could employ a trainer at the gym who will be your buddy and help you get the most out of exercise - and also help you make that trainsition

    Join an exercise class, see if a friend will go with you, hang at the back - all newbies do

    Smile at other participants (not in the gym though :wink:), nod and say hello - make sure you look people in the eye

    Shyness is something you can train yourself to deal with which will round out your social skills and give you confidence - it's learning the body language and social cues - if it's crippling though, seek help from a professional.
  • Rugbynutter
    Rugbynutter Posts: 33 Member
    Of course I am going to sound biased but if you have a local rugby club, get down there. Rugby is the sport that can be played by all levels and whatever shape & size. The culture and ethos of rugby is one that welcomes newcomers. I have played rugby since I was 13 for a number of different clubs, each time I have always been made welcome. Once on holiday in Wales I dropped in to local club to watch a game on TV and ended up training with them that week!
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    I guess we need to know what you are interested in. You can do individual sports like running, swiming, weight training etc or are you interetsed in a team sport. Team sports could help with social ackwardness as well since teams tend to be suportive and very social.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    We have something call Sport and social club. You can join up as an individual and they will assign you to a team. The league is co-ed and there is usually a lack of girls (women), so it should be easy to get on a team like that, and the players should welcome you. We tend to go for a drink after we play as a way to get to know one another and hang out.
  • lisaanne1369
    lisaanne1369 Posts: 377 Member
    I have taken up running. Starting to find running groups and friends.
  • taeliesyn
    taeliesyn Posts: 1,116 Member
    Depends on the sport and where you are. If it's running and there is parkrun close by, go a few, try to interact with people and it won't take long to find friends.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    If you are in the UK then your local councils have become responsible for more general public health. This means they run many programs encouraging people to take up activity again.

    Try starting at the library or local sports centre. Not quite sure what you are interested in. You just need to find the right class/ activity for you. You dont give much info.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    Focus on the ball and the members of the other team that you need to take down!
  • dlvuyovich
    dlvuyovich Posts: 102 Member
    Rugbynutter wrote: »
    Of course I am going to sound biased but if you have a local rugby club, get down there. Rugby is the sport that can be played by all levels and whatever shape & size. The culture and ethos of rugby is one that welcomes newcomers. I have played rugby since I was 13 for a number of different clubs, each time I have always been made welcome. Once on holiday in Wales I dropped in to local club to watch a game on TV and ended up training with them that week!

    lol - I was going to suggest this as well. Rugby folk are generally a very welcoming, social and well meaning group of people. I played for 20 years, every city I lived in and now have an extended family. I am not naturally shy, however, I now coach teenage girls (not sure your age) and let me tell you I definitely get some shy ones. We all (coaches, players, supporters) make special efforts for the shy ones.
  • dlvuyovich
    dlvuyovich Posts: 102 Member
    Sorry, you did say shy adult. But still, 99% of adult level clubs take on new people.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    yoovie wrote: »
    Focus on the ball and the members of the other team that you need to take down!

    I assume you me Rugby or else that becomes a really interesting post! :wink:
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    The running shoe store where I live has many training groups you can sign up for. Then they all run together. Obviously, all those people are in the same boat you are in or they would have already had a group to train with.
    I play tennis. You can take a lesson somewhere and meet people to play with. Most city parks with courts offer lessons, and most clubs will let non-members take lessons at their facility. Find a nice one
    Also, the USTA (tennis association) has many "flex" leagues, whee you sign up and get assigned someone new to play every week. It is quite fun to play different people, to meet new players, and to travel around to lots of different courts where others play.
    Lastly, I used to play soccer. The league I played for had a bulletin board whee teams that needed players would post a notice; you just email them back. It's easy to find an adult league, a coed league, whatever. I am sure the same is true for basketball at the YMCA or volleyball.....
    Most adult teams -- any sport -- need more players. They'll welcome you with open arms.
  • dubird
    dubird Posts: 1,849 Member
    Find some kind of group to join, even if it's just a simple class. The trick is to find a SMALL one to join. I have a lot of issues with shyness myself, and I wouldn't be able to join a large group for anything, but I have worked out with small groups before and that was ok. One on one training might be the best for you because you'll be only with one other person and you might be a lot less self-conscious that way.
  • dazwan
    dazwan Posts: 81 Member
    Join a club or a class!
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