By Vicki Abraham
After a long and frustrating winter of pandemic restrictions, many of us are keen to get out into the sunshine and fresh air, to stretch and move our body, and socialise with friends again
It’s a well-known fact that body movement and doing something a little different is an effective and healthy way to shake off any residual winter blues and it stands to reason that it’ll also clear any carry-over pandemic apathy.
Here are a few ideas for outdoor sporting activities that are social, fun and perfect for people in their 50’s. There’s also the chance you’ll meet new people while trying something different.
RUNNING
Running appears to be a solo sport but in Bermuda it’s a great way to socialise. You’ll meet people on the track during a MAAC training session or on a run with Swan’s Running Club. With 5K events throughout the season that anyone can enter, there’s a challenge for all tastes.
Nancy Stevens, a MAAC member and casual triathlete, started running just before her 50th birthday and it has become an important part of her life. “Running is a great social sport for people in their 50’s; training in a group forces you to push yourself more than you would do alone,” she said. “We’re a very social bunch. Anything from the official events to the Sunday morning coffee after training, be it a weekend group run or an annual award ceremony; we run, and we have fun.”
WALKING
If you’re looking for motivation or an inspiring new track to walk on a Sunday, joining the Walking Club of Bermuda may be just the ticket.
Go solo to meet new people or take your spouse, parents or a friend! They walk from a different starting point every Sunday at 7am, rain, blow or shine. You’ll find more at their website: www.walkingclubofbermuda.com
2021 annual membership is just $30 although you don’t need to be a member to join their Sunday walks.
OUTDOOR YOGA
Outdoor yoga brings out the best in us with heart-opening moves that boost self-confidence and connection. It’s the perfect counterbalance after a pandemic and is a gentle activity to venture out and try something new. Shanell Vaughn of Shambhala says, “Yoga is where self meets health. Practicing yoga in nature is healing; people come alone or meet with friends here. It’s a great Sunday morning community gathering.”
Yoga In Nature takes place on Sundays, weather permitting, from 10 to 11am at Watch Hill Park, Smiths. It costs $20 per person. Email: [email protected]
PICKLEBALL
Speak to anyone who’s played pickleball and they’ll tell you it’s addictive! It’s a fun, social and friendly game with simple rules making it easy for beginners to learn and it’s fast-paced, competitive style makes it easy to get hooked on.
Pickleball combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis and uses a ‘paddle’ racquet and a different type of ball.
With a selection of pickleball courts to book, there’s every reason to give it a go!
Elbow Beach Hotel Tennis Club – no need to be a club member to play. www.elbowbeachbermuda.com
Pompano – Lunch & Pickleball! Pompano has three new pickleball courts with breathtaking views and your social outing will be complete with a delicious lunch on the patio.
Pomander Gate Tennis Club also has pickleball courts.
VOLLEYBALL
Wander down to Horseshoe Bay on a summer evening and you’ll see the Bermuda Volleyball Association (BVA) beach volleyball league in full swing. The Summer League runs from June until September each year. If you and some friends want to be part of the action, contact www.bva.bm for information.
