Could Cricket Be Your New Way To Keep Fit?

There have been many keep fit crazes. From hiking to golf, fitness enthusiasts both young and old, are always on the lookout for something new to do that will get them out of the house and get their hearts pumping.

Cricket is not the sport that you may immediately associate with keeping fit but you should think again. There are plenty of health benefits associated with cricket and it is fun as well!

 source

Finding Out More About Cricket

 

The rules of cricket can look a bit confusing to an outsider. To catch up with the very latest in the world of cricket all you have to do is head over to Cricket and Wicket for top analysis and news. You will soon find out what the game is all about and get a basic understanding of the rules by reading about how the professionals play. Then it is your turn to have a go.

There are many cricket clubs that you can join if you wish to play in a competitive environment and access some formal coaching and tuition. You will normally have to pay a fee to join and perhaps a monthly subscription.

 You will have to purchase the appropriate kit to play competitive matches (cricket whites) and you may want to invest in your own cricket bat.

You do not have to join a club to enjoy cricket. There is nothing stopping you getting together with a group of friends and enjoying a few games in the local park over the summer months. Cricket can be enjoyed by all ages and by both women and men.

The health benefits of cricket

There are many health benefits associated with cricket. You do need a basic level of fitness to be able to play and the fitter you are the more you will get out of it. It is not as intense as some other sports, such as football, because there is quite a lot of standing around. In many ways, it is similar to baseball in that respect. To play cricket successfully you need good hand-eye coordination and ball-handling skills.

When you are batting you will have to hit the ball and then sprint between wickets. When you are bowling you will have to take a run up to bowl the ball and possibly sprint to catch it. When you are fielding, you have to sprint to catch the ball and throw it a long distance. 

The sport is great for both endurance and stamina as cricket matches last for several hours. It also helps with balance and coordination and improves hand-eye coordination.

As with all sports, it is possible to get injured playing cricket but there is plenty that you can do to protect yourself. It is important that you take on plenty of water before, during and after the game. If you are playing in the sun you must use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear sunglasses and a hat. Warm up with some stretches before the game and do the same to cool down. Protective head gear and leg pads are essential.