Whether you’re looking to get in shape, start a new hobby, or find something new to watch, there are an endless number of sporting options.
But, with so many choices available, it can be difficult to pick the one that’s right for you. To help you make an informed choice, here are eight of the best sports to invest in this year:
1. Swimming
Swimming is an excellent sport to get into because it’s popular and easily accessible. It also doesn’t require any special equipment, as all you need is a swimming costume and access to a pool.
Not only is swimming fun to do, but it’s also great to watch. Races are often nailbitingly tight and will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. Plus, there’s an abundance of talented British swimmers, so you’ll have plenty of athletes to root for.
2. Rugby
Rugby is a well favoured sport not only in the UK, but across the world, too. Since it’s a team game, it offers an opportunity for additional socialisation – something that is essential for good mental health. Alongside improved mental wellbeing, rugby is a physically demanding sport, so taking part will heavily benefit both your stamina and your strength.
To watch, rugby is a superb choice. The game is fast paced, full of skill, and always offers some excitement. With the Rugby Championship coming up later in the year, now is the perfect time to get into the sport!
3. Tennis
If you’re looking to enhance your agility, speed, power, and overall level of fitness, tennis is an ideal option. The sport is relatively inexpensive to participate in, as all you’ll need to do is buy a racket and hire a court for an hour or so. Your local tennis club will likely have plenty of people you can play with, too.
Tennis is another excellent sport to watch if you want something exciting and fast paced. Matches vary in length but typically range from an hour and a half to five hours, or sometimes even longer. So if you’re searching for something to keep you entertained for a while, tennis is the way to go.
4. Boxing
Boxing is unmatched when it comes to power and strength. If your focus this year is to work on building muscle, boxing is an ideal activity.
If your attention span is on the lower end and the thought of watching a five-hour tennis match or an 80-minute rugby game feels too much, boxing is a much more suitable sport. With three-minute rounds (or two for female boxing), it’s an incredibly fast paced and exhilarating sport to watch.
5. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a little more costly to take part in, particularly if your local club requires you to use your own equipment. However, if your budget can stretch a little further, ice hockey is a fantastic sport to get into.
The sport itself is a spectacle. It’s not just about the gameplay, but the atmosphere that comes with it. Games are exceptionally fun to watch in-person and include more theatrics, such as music, announcements, and audience engagement, than most other sports. Fans of ice hockey are typically very enthusiastic, which makes the whole experience even more immersive.
6. Cycling
For cardiovascular health and lower body strength, cycling is an excellent choice. It’s also a good way to increase muscle mobility, and you can easily switch it up between leisurely rides and more intense fitness sessions.
To watch, cycling can be great fun. And, with the Tour de France – one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year – taking place in July, now is the perfect time to get into the sport.
7. Basketball
Basketball is superb for building endurance, coordination, balance, and teamwork. If you prefer sports that rely heavily on teamwork, this is the perfect sport for you.
Not only is it particularly fun to play, but it’s highly entertaining to watch, too. As the game is split into four quarters at ten minutes each, it’s an easy one to digest.
8. Golf
If you’re looking for something that is a little more leisurely but will still get you out and about, golf is a fantastic option. Golf focuses more on skill and precision than fitness, so it’s ideal for improving your focus and hand-eye coordination.
Golf is also fairly easy to watch and doesn’t require as much intense concentration as some other sports do, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a sport that is a little more laidback to enjoy in your spare time.
Which Sport Will You Get Into in 2025?
Whether you’re just watching at home or choosing to participate, sport is an excellent pastime to enjoy. From swimming to boxing, these are just a handful of the best sports to get into, but the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to choosing a sport to enjoy.