Try a Sport: Cricket

It's officially cricket season and although sitting through a test match might not be your idea of a good day out, cricket can actually be a lot of fun to play! So if you're looking for a new hobby, need an excuse to spend your whole weekend out in the sunshine or just want to keep active without slogging away in the gym, then how about giving cricket a try? Whether you join a local league or gather up your family for a game in the park, here are some of the benefits you could gain from taking up cricket this summer... 

Overall Fitness

Whether you're running from wicket to wicket scoring runs or chasing the ball across the field, you'll be clocking up the miles quicker than you think! Cricket is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and stamina, as well as building up your upper-body strength. Swap your usual Sunday morning cardio for a day spent topping up that tan with a game of cricket - sounds like a good idea to us! 

Hand-eye Coordination

Catching, throwing, hitting - these are all skills that need some serious hand-eye coordination. When a ball is being pitched at high-speed, it's not an easy job for the batsman to get in a quality shot! Improving these skills can help your performance in other sports such as tennis as well as in your everyday life. 

Mental Gains

Although it might look like a simple game, cricket is all about quick thinking. You need to recognise the other team's weaknesses and start thinking strategically to come out on top. The good news is all that hard work on the field will help you off the field too -  your work colleagues won't know what's hit them!

Community

One of the best things about playing a team sport is the sense of community that comes with it. You'll learn valuable skills such as teamwork and efficient communication, but it's also a great way to meet new people and feel a sense of unity. Exercise is mean't to be fun after all!