As a mom and movement coach, I am an advocate of team sports for my girls. They are very different personalities and ages (21 and 9), and differently-abled (the 21-year-old is a typically abled person and the little one has down syndrome), but there have always been team activities they both participate in and enjoy. I am no less an advocate for my clients to get involved in team sports. Even well into adulthood it is an amazingly fun way to get your body moving all while making friends and having a blast!

And no wonder! Many people thrive in teams. They love the camaraderie and friendly competition. They feed off the energy of others, and enjoy relying on a group for a common outcome. For this type of people, organized teams or groups are a winning option. Being part of a team is rewarding, inspiring, and motivating.

Is there a time you were part of a team?

Did you:

Play sports as a kid?

Participate in scout troops?

Attend college as an athlete?

Serve in the military?

Represent a professional sport?

Getting active may simply be a sign-up away when you find a team or group that piques your interest.

Looking for a team and don’t know where to find them?

Try these ideas:

• Community colleges
• City Park and Recreations
• Work-based intramural and weekend teams
• Church leagues
• Meetup.com
• Craigslist
• Facebook groups
• Gym-based leagues and groups

There are many ways to connect with like-minded men and women who want to be a part of a team and compete or simply engage in an activity. The bigger the area you live in the higher the chances are you’ll make a connection.

Some of the most common and not-so-common groups are:

• Softball teams
• Road biking groups
• Lumberjack competitors
• Adult track groups
• Basketball leagues
• Strong man competitors

I really enjoy the co-ed adult recreational volleyball league I play with weekly. It is hosted by the local Parks and Rec and is for older adults and free! Additionally, I teach for the local YMCA association and can attest to the various group and team play opportunities. It never ceases to inspire to see how beneficial movement is to the mind, body, and spirit across the lifespan. I teach, dance with, and play volleyball with several folks in their 80s and 90s!

Thinking sports aren’t for you? Consider these alternatives to team sports:

• Hiking groups
• Bird watching groups
• Kayaking groups
• Ski clubs
• Fishing clubs
• Walking groups

These activities still create a bond and get your body moving. You don’t have to be all guts and glory to be part of a team. Finding an activity that you love and a tribe to do it with is a wonderful thing. If the activity you love doesn’t have a formalized group, it might be your calling to step up and create the opportunity to bring people together. After all, this is how the Pickleball craze started!

Consider:

• Being a coach
• Hosting a group
• Launching a league
• Organizing a community event
• Raising awareness

Your passion may become the next big wave of activity that storms the internet and gets people moving their bodies and getting healthier. Whether you love to be hard-core and down and dirty with competition, or you simply enjoy the teamwork of a group, you can engage in a team and have a great time. You can increase your stamina and range of motion, gain community, and find new ways to connect and feel part of something bigger than yourself.