Fitness is really a niche world. Not everyone wants to get up in the morning and go for a run. You have to do it if you want to get fit, but it’s not exactly fun. However, for those that would love to get stronger, more in shape for their healthy or just have a body that is sculpted, the fitness world seems like a club you have to join. There is a set ritual of buying all the gear, such as the muscle spandex workout tops, spandex leggings, the Nike pumped up trainers and the Apple iWatch. Yet, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes there are some thing you will need to buy, but for the most part you just need to turn up. Most other fitness activities will show you that some equipment is more specialized. The bottom line is, whatever you do for fitness it must also be fun. It should be some kind of skill that’s pleasing to do. After all, anyone can run and lift weights.

A deadly jigsaw puzzle

As you may have seen, the MMA world has exploded. Guys with good striking skills and ground game are making headlines in combat sports. It’s never too late to learn a martial art if you want to become more involved in MMA. For example, if you’re interested in the most popular martial arts right now such as jiu-jitsu, you can go to dojos with special beginner free trial classes. Jiu-jitsu is all about grappling and submission moves. However just like in boxing, there are many different styles and each of them counteract the other. It can be like learning a deadly jigsaw puzzle and trying to solve the flaws you see in the opponent and your own approach. The self-defense classes will also teach you how to defend yourself from attackers using objects such as knives and bats. For those that want the purer stuff, you should learn BJJ or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Take up a niche sport

Niche sports are always those that hardly get the light of day in the mainstream sports media. However if you like the look of something, you should try to get more involved. For example, if you have always been impressed with sword fighting, then you may wish to consider fencing. This art of dueling originates from Europe as early as the 12th century. The objective is to strike the opponent more time than they strike you. There are set rules for each of the three disciplines. Search for your local fencing club and take a trip down to see what it’s like in person. You can also watch the FIE channel on YouTube to keep up with the latest news in the professional circuit. Niche sports are also generally cheaper to get started in compared to the more mainstream. This is because the demand isn’t so high so prices will be lower for membership and equipment.

Everybody needs some motivation to get fit. Just running around and lifting weights doesn’t suit everyone. However taking up a popular martial art that everybody can do is surely a good start. What do you do to be more active?