Choosing the Right Type of Recreational Activity

How do you know which recreational activity is right for you? Though this is a simple question, it may not have a simple answer. Before answering this question, it makes sense to define what a recreational activity is. In layman terms, a recreational activity is any activity or event that one engages in during leisure time. In other words, it is a activity or event performed primarily for entertainment and fun. Though in some cases there may be monetary rewards associated with recreational activities, it is not usually the main goal. Other reasons associated with participating in a recreational activity includes: fitness, health, socialization, competition, and sport support among others.

There are several options of recreational activities available for all age categories ranging from indoor to outdoor. Making the decision on which choice to pursue can be a real challenge and this varies significantly from one person to the other. For former professional athletes, the decision may be easier especially if they continue participating in their particular former professional sports, only at recreational level. The big task of choosing the right recreational activity is however on beginners. In order to make the right choice(s) if you are a beginner, it is important to consider the following general guidelines:

1.  Choose a activity that you understand and passionate about: Recreational in a way becomes part of your lifestyle and therefore needs to be entertaining and enjoyable. Choosing something that you don’t like or have no knowledge about can be frustrating even if your friends adore it. It only makes sense to pursue something that you know the rules and regulations of the activity or sport. However, this does not mean one cannot learn a new sport or activity, but it is easier to do so if you love the sport or activity.

2.  Consider your goals and objectives: As mentioned above, there are different reasons that drive people into recreational activities. Choosing a activity or sport that is in line with your goals, for example losing weight will only enrich the overall recreational experience. Someone looking for a recreational activity to aid in cutting down some extra body weight may benefit from running, jogging, walking, hiking, or swimming among other high calorie burning recreational activities as opposed to playing cards or video games. On the other hand somebody looking for a recreational that favors socialization may benefit from team sports.

3.  Facilities, tools and equipment required: Different recreational activities may require different tools, facilities, or equipment or in some cases may require none at all. These tools, facilities or equipment may also vary depending on the needs of every person. For example if you want to play golf for recreation, you will definitely have to purchase a golf club, balls and perhaps shoes. You will also need an available and accessible golf course to play. In some cases if you have more than one favorite recreational activity, you may have to choose what is more convenient based on availability of facilities. It makes more sense to go running at a nearby track especially if you get off work late in the evenings than having to drive for several miles to get to a golf course (i.e. if you like both golf and running).

4.  Availability of time: Since a recreational activity is a pastime activity, choosing the right one may be dictated by how much free time is at one’s disposal. Some recreational activities are more time consuming than others. Additionally some of these activities must only be played outside. Whereas some recreational activities such as running, jogging, walking, playing tennis, playing basketball or swimming offers both indoor and outdoor options, some of them, for example playing golf, hiking, kayaking, surfing among other don’t. The more time one has, the more the options to choose from and the vice versa.

5.  Seasonality: Though this may not be a big deal for people living along the equatorial climatic regions, it definitely affects people living in areas with winter and summer season. Some recreational activities such as those requiring snow may only be available during winter and only in some parts of the world. So if skiing is the only favorite recreational activity that one can participate in, it means there will be nothing to do for most of the year i.e. during the other seasons. When deciding on the right activity for recreation, it is advisable to have more than one option especially in a situation where one is affected by seasonal changes.

6.  Number of participants required: Whereas most recreational activities require participation of more than one person at one time, some can be pursued individually. If your schedule doesn’t allow group or team participation, choosing a activity that will enable you to participate alone is a good idea. Jogging, walking, swimming, biking, and running are great examples.

As mentioned earlier, this is not an exhaustive list of guidelines, but it is only meant to give you an idea of how to pick the best recreational activity that will make your recreational life a success. Remember the bottom line is fun and entertainment.