Everyone can benefit from having an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, due to the rise of the internet, few people actually have active hobbies anymore, because they spend their time playing games and using social media.

An active hobby is much better for you, physically and mentally than internet use. Various studies have shown that the overuse of mobile devices and computers can be very bad for mental health.

However, if you have never really been an outdoors kind of person before, then it’s very likely that you won’t have any idea where to start when it comes to selecting an active hobby. This post has six suggestions to offer you.

Gel Balling

Gel balling is a very enjoyable combat sport that’s played in groups. People separate into teams, then fire at each other using gel blasters. A gel blaster is a type of firearm that fires a projectile made from polymer water beads, called gel balls. When gel balls hit their target, they explode. The sport is a lot like paintballing, except getting involved in gel balling is a lot cheaper than paintballing, not to mention a lot less painful.  You can gel ball with your friends in the woods or in a derelict building, or you can attend a dedicated gel ball venue. The good thing about the sport is that if you are on a budget, you can buy all of the equipment that you need second-hand.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an outdoor sport that’s sadly underappreciated nowadays. In the past, it was very common for young people to go rock climbing. Now, it’s something that’s only really undertaken by very adventurous and active people. You don’t have to scale mountains to go rock climbing, you can just go to an indoor climbing center. There are indoor climbing centers in most large cities and towns. The best thing about them is that they provide attendees with equipment, meaning that you don’t have to bring anything of your own. Rock climbing can be a great way to get in shape, and it’s a lot of fun.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a sport that’s common all over the world because it can be undertaken on any water system or large body of water. You can kayak on the sea, in rivers, on creeks, or on lakes. As long as you have water near you, you can do it. Kayaking can also be very affordable, too, making it a great water sport for people who’re on a budget. You can pick up all of the kayaking equipment that you need second-hand or used, too. Most experts recommend investing in an inflatable kayak first because they are the cheapest and easiest to use.

Fitness Training

Some people’s preferred active hobby is fitness training or going to the gym. Fitness training can be a highly effective way of improving your physical health. You don’t have to pay for a gym membership to take it up, though. It is entirely possible for you to train at home. Calisthenics is a form of fitness training that involves using one’s body instead of machines. Typical exercises you might find in a calisthenic routine involve push-ups, dips, squats, sit-ups, pull-ups, and burpees. You could also take up running.

Martial Arts

Martial arts is more than a hobby, it is a lifestyle. When you attend a martial arts class, you will learn about the importance of discipline and self-control. Getting involved in martial arts is a very fun thing to do. You don’t have to pay a lot for classes, either. There are many different martial arts that you can get involved in, from BJJ to Krav Maga. Do your research and find the style that’s right for you. Karate and jujitsu are two styles of martial art that are very popular with beginners, so give them some consideration.

Rambling

An active hobby doesn’t have to be fast-paced. As long as you are moving your body and keeping fit, then it doesn’t matter what you do. One activity that’s very enjoyable and great for people who aren’t interested in extreme sports is rambling. Rambling is just walking, albeit walking long distances. It’s a hobby that’s very common among older people. However, various studies have shown that rambling is just as good for you as running or jogging, it’s just that you have to do it for longer. If you want to go rambling, then buy a walking map and plan out a route. You can do it alone or with friends.

If you haven’t ever really been interested in exercising or are spending too much time on your computer, then now’s the time to change that. Active hobbies can help you to get (and then stay) in shape. All of the hobbies here are great for beginners and can be a fantastic way of getting outside and making friends.