Summer is the perfect time to get active, but what's the best way to stick to a new sport? 

It's at this time of year that we all get a bit aspirational when it comes to sport. Despite what the magazines might tell us, we don’t all start jogging in the summer because we strive for a “beach ready body”. Instead, the abundance of seasonal sport (especially here in Wimbledon!), the sun, and the social aspect of sport all play a part in getting us active. These are all fantastic motivations for exercise – after all, it should be about fun as well as fitness.

However, it’s still easy find that the new racquet you bought in June has been abandoned by the time September swings by. So here are a few tips on how to make sport a solid (and enjoyable!) part of your summer.

1. Start Something New

Most people lack confidence when they first start a sport. It’s easy to feel discouraged when a rally doesn’t last more than about a minute. But practice makes perfect, as does regular coaching. Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club offer starter courses for both badminton and squash, offering all the advice you’ll need to advance in your chosen sport.

2. Make it social

Joining a friendly club is a great motivator. Rather than having to drag yourself to a faceless gym, the prospect of exercising with friends, (possibly with the prospect of a pint afterwards), is a lot more tempting.

3. Get the whole family involved

Getting the whole family involved with a new sport is a great way to keep at it. As both a bonding activity and a way of keeping the kids entertained, racquet sports are fantastic. To make sure you don’t spend all your time chasing shuttlecocks around the court, sign the children up for lessons. Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club is an accredited Badminton England Performance Centre so will offer the best quality support!

4. Enjoy yourself!

This might seem obvious, but most people treat exercise like a chore. Do you have to drag yourself to the gym? Let’s face it, for the majority of us anything seems preferable to slogging out thirty minutes on a treadmill. That’s why team sports, personal coaching and getting the family involved are effective at keeping us active – it’s easier for us to stay motivated and have fun!

For more information on Badminton and Squash courses in the local area, visit Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club.