GET YOUR KIT ON:In the last of our series on taking up a new sport, we take a look back at a few mid-winter options, writes EMMET MALONE
BRITAIN’S DEPARTMENT of health is co-ordinating a scheme at the moment that will provide discounts to people on things like swimming lessons and sports equipment in the new year. Needless to say, you’re on your own here in Ireland: even if something similar was tried, the way things are now the vouchers would probably bounce.
So, an awful lot of hard-earned money is going to be spent over the coming weeks as a result of the seasonal collision between guilt and good intentions, and with finances that bit tighter these days, it’s probably best to weigh up your options if you’re thinking of taking the plunge.
Over the past few months, we’ve looked at many of the sports that are out there, how to get involved and what the potential benefits are (the entire Get Your Kit On series is on the irishtimes.com website). Here, we wrap up a few of the most obvious mid-winter options.
The bottom line is that if you do engage in any exercise regularly and for a half-decent amount of time, you’re going to feel the benefits of it, but you do have to stick with it, and so it’s important to settle on something you’re not going to be sick of by the end of January.
The local gym will be the destination of choice for many and if it’s for you then great. But it’s buyer beware – the industry’s standard business plan involves taking a lot of cash from the self-delusional among us in early January, suckers who effectively pay to keep the place open for regular users through the rest of the year.
If you do decide to join a gym, avoid long-term contracts until you’re sure you’re going to stick with it, and insist on getting the help and encouragement that you need from the staff.
If you are happy to plod along by yourself, though, look at joining, for example, a running or rugby club that provides access to a gym; the cost is often a fraction of that charged by more commercial operations.
Otherwise, look at other options. Team sports have a strong social element to them and there are certain obligations that come with being the goalkeeper for your local soccer club: bunking off will not be an option.
Similarly, “buddying up” to go running, take part in tailored gym sessions, swim, or whatever it is you decide on, will provide the incentive of not wanting to let your friend down.
Needless to say, the gear will be cheaper in the January sales if you can hold off until then. Just be careful not to let that get between you and getting out the door in the first place . . .
