Work Hard, Play Harder
Do you feel that your gym routines start becoming a bit mundane, or are you just interested in trying something new? If keeping fit is becoming somewhat of a challenge for you, trying out alternative sports might be a good way to reignite your interest in staying sporty!
We’ve rounded up 10 sports you can try in Sydney and its surrounding areas – from solo to team games, recreational to competitive, there’s always an alternative sport for everyone.
Note: No matter which sport you try out, please make sure to prioritize safety first, and ask the experts or instructors if you have any health or safety concerns.
1. Parkour
Parkour NSW. Source.
Parkour at AAPES. Source.
Commonly known as “that sport where you jump from one building to another”, parkour is actually about overcoming obstacles in the fastest and most efficient way. It involves a lot of running, jumping, climbing and rolling as well as balancing your body. No equipment is needed other than running shoes and comfortable clothes!
There is a stereotype that parkour is all about doing the coolest acrobatic tricks. However, it’s less about being the ‘best’, and more about focusing on your own self-development.
Many aspects of parkour rely on self-practice, which you can do solo in numerous parks in Sydney. However, for those who just start trying the sport, or who want more motivation by training with fellow enthusiasts, courses are strongly encouraged.
Interested? Contact:
AAPES
Address: 3/3 Wood St, Tempe NSW 2044, Australia
Website: Here
Parkour NSW
Website: Here
2. Trapeze/Circus performances
Circus Art Sydney. Source.
Sydney Trapeze School. Source.
Remember your childhood aspiration to become a juggler or trapeze artist after watching a circus show? Well, dream no longer! Through a large number of courses available in Sydney, you can learn to stilt walk, swing and ‘fly’ on a trapeze, do aerial tricks, juggle and more, all within a conducive environment and with guaranteed safety.
Not only are these skills great for party tricks, they also enhance strength, build confidence and give you that adrenaline rush you probably won’t get anywhere else!
Interested? Contact:
Circus Arts Sydney
Address: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Sydney 2127
Website: Here
Sydney Trapeze School
Address: Building 2K, 1-7 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters, NSW 2044
Website: Here
3. Paintball
Die Hard Indoor Paintball. Source.
Want to have quality time with your friends and burn some calories at the same time? Paintball might be your best bet.
A combination of physical exercise with strategy and teamwork, paintball is a great choice for the competitive and leisure seekers alike. If you’re not afraid to get a little dirty and have a lot of fun, or even feel like you’re in Modern Warfare or Call of Duty, paintball is for you.
Die Hard Indoor Paintball. Source.
Most paintball centres are a bit far from the city centre, so planning extra time for travelling is encouraged.
Interested? Contact:
Die Hard Indoor Paintball
Address: 11 Henderson St, Turrella NSW 2205, Australia
Website: Here
Spitfire Paintball & Go Karts
Address: Cnr George Street & Station Avenue, Concord West 2138
Website: Here
4. Quidditch
For those who can’t get over the fact that Harry Potter is over, here’s the perfect sport for you! Muggles’ version of Quidditch has of course been differentiated from the original one, for we have not invented flying broomsticks or a wild golden ball yet. Nevertheless, the rules are still similar and so is the excitement!
Other than the annual national championship, there are also monthly tournaments in New South Wales. Get healthy, build skills and meet people with mutual interest on a regular basis – there’s practically nothing to hate about Quidditch. So far, all of the Australian Quidditch Association’s qualified quidditch clubs in Sydney are school-based, but those who are not currently in any educational institutions can join the team as well.
Interested? Contact:
The Australian Quidditch Association
Website: Here
Or check with your tertiary institutions for Quidditch societies!
5. Pole dancing
Studio Verve. Source.
Alright, I know what you’re thinking – pole dancing has always been stereotyped to have sexual undertones. However, more and more people today are taking up the activity as a way to get fit and tone body muscles. Furthermore, pole dancing is increasingly understood as a form of art performance as well as a physical exercise which requires great, hard-earned skills, rigour and discipline.
Bobbi’s Pole Studio. Source.
Pole dancing will enable you to improve core strength and flexibility. It’s like a mixture of dance, gymnastics and yoga in one sport!
Interested? Contact:
Studio Verve
Address: Level 2, 29-37 Bellevue Street, Surry Hills 2010
Website: Here
Sydney Pole
Address: 176 Parramatta Road, Camperdown 2050
Website: Here
Bobbi’s Pole Studio
Address: Level 3, 251 Elizabeth St Sydney NSW 2000 | Level 2, 207 Clarence St Sydney NSW 2000
Website: Here
6. Abseiling
Abseiling at Blue Mountains. Source.
If you want an Indiana Jones experience and have a full day to spare, abseiling is a great choice.
Abseiling or rappelling is the activity of descending down a cliff (up to 60 metres high!) with a rope. Because it’s usually done outdoors in nature, the adrenaline factor is off the charts. However, if you’re a beginner, don’t worry because there’s a variety of levels of difficulty to choose from.
Abseiling takes place outside of the metropolitan area, so you may need to clear your schedule for this. Still, breaking out of your normal work routine and getting healthy in the great outdoors sounds awesome to me.
Interested? Contact:
Red Balloon
Website: Here
High and Wild
Website: Here
7. Snow-shoeing
So we already know that Sydney’s scenic walks and hikes have a lot to offer, but what if we add snow into it?
Numerous snowshoe trails in Snowy Mountains await exploration. Yes, it’s not exactly in Sydney, but the white winter is definitely worth the five hour drive.
The idea of snowshoeing is as simple as walking over the snowy hills, wandering through the panoramic winter mountains as well as appreciating nature. Don’t worry if you’re inexperienced – for people say, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe”! Furthermore, the tracks are generally suitable for beginners too. Enjoy the fresh air and take a lot of pictures, or stroll along at a fast pace – it’s up to you.
Interested? Contact:
Thredbo
Website: Here
8. Trampolining
Flip Out. Source.
Does jumping and bouncing around sound like a sport to you? If it doesn’t, try trampolining!
Trampolining might sound like what you did when you were five years old, but it is actually one of the competitive sport fields included in the Olympics! It mixes gymnastic with cardio exercise – perfect for those who want to tone their muscles, improve body coordination, and enhance endurance. Do it yourself or with some friends – it’s all great fun!
Interested? Contact:
Flip Out
Address: Westpoint Shopping Centre Level 4, Shop 4020 17 Patrick St, Blacktown 2148
Website: Here
FX Zone Sports Centre & Trampoline Park
Address: Uhrig Rd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Website: Here
9. Roller derby
2013 Sydney Roller Derby League. Source.
Mostly played by women, this sport has grown in popularity amongst men and children as well. Roller derby is basically roller skating with a twist, played in a team of 5. It’s a great way to improve your speed, strength and stamina within a social environment. With a lot of body contact, roller derby is great for those who are not afraid to get a bit rough!
Oh, and have I mentioned that dressing up is allowed (and even encouraged)?
Interested? Contact:
Sydney Roller Derby League
Website: Here
Inner West Roller Derby League
Website: Here
South West Sydney Roller Derby League
Website: Here
10. Unicycling
Northern Beaches Unicycle Club. Source.
So you reckon the ordinary two-wheeled bike that you usually ride to school with does not suffice? Why not try unicycling?
Granted, people will probably look at you weird if you ride a unicycle to work but as a sport, unicycle has a lot to offer. It trains your body balance and coordination as well as concentration, and because it doesn’t have handle bars, it helps you focus on building lower body muscles as well – you’ll never skip leg day anymore! Furthermore, because unicycle is literally less than half of a regular bicycle, it is much easier to maintain and carry.
When you have finally mastered the ways of unicycling, you can step up your game and combine it with other sports, such as unicycle hockey or unicycle basketball – be bold and dare yourself!
Interested? Contact:
Northern Beaches Unicycle Club
Address: Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW 2099, Australia
Website: Here
Sydney Unicycle Hockey
Address: Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW 2099, Australia
Website: Here
Most Amazing Sports In Sydney
Who says exercising is always boring? If rigid fitness routines are slowly killing your motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then these 10 alternative sports are definitely the best ways to spice up lazy weekends. So stop bumming, get going and have lots of fun!