The Hidden Benefits of Learning a New Skill

Finding the right activity can boost your confidence an increase your daily activity levels.

 

When thinking about getting fit and exercising more, our first thoughts are usually that we should join a gym or start jogging. While these are both worthwhile activities, we know that if you dislike the activity you’re doing, the long-term benefits are usually not enough to keep you committed. There are a few things that are often overlooked when talking about exercising more, particularly the fact that you can often improve your life in more than one way if you find the right activity.

 

Action Sports Clinic - Learning a New Skill

 

We all have different tastes in food and the same is true for exercise. Some of us chase the thrill of learning a new skill; others prefer the challenge of pushing their limits of endurance while others love being surrounded by nature. Exercise is good for everyone, but finding the right activity for you is going to make it much easier to make it a committed part of your lifestyle, that’s where learning a new skill might come in.

 

We are also more likely to enjoy doing activities that we are good at. Some people have great balance, while others have great eye hand coordination and someone who is an excellent dancer might be a terrible runner. Consider what you are personally good at and try to choose your activity based on this. Learning a new skill that suits your routine is also an important component to making a new activity a part of your lifestyle.

 

Sometimes it is simply a lack of imagination that fails to get us off the couch.  Jogging is not for everyone, but one of these sports might be.

 

Here’s a quick list of less common activities that you may not have thought of trying; rock-climbing, volleyball, soccer, hula-hooping, slack-lining, golf, mountain biking, hiking, standup paddle boarding, roller skating, skateboarding, dancing, Pilates and yoga, just to name a few.

Physio Tip - Action Sports Clinic

Your physiotherapist is able to give you great advice on which activities might suit your ability level and they can give you some tips to ensure you stay injury free when starting your new hobby.

 

 

Learning a new skill can be good for your brain.

We all have different tastes in food and the same is true for exercise. Some of us chase the thrill of learning a new skill; others prefer the challenge of pushing their limits of endurance while others love being surrounded by nature. Exercise is good for everyone, but finding the right activity for you is going to make it much easier to make it a committed part of your lifestyle, that’s where learning a new skill might come in.

We are also more likely to enjoy doing activities that we are good at. Some people have great balance, while others have great eye hand coordination and someone who is an excellent dancer might be a terrible runner. Consider what you are personally good at and try to choose your activity based on this. Learning a new skill that suits your routine is also an important component to making a new activity a part of your lifestyle.

Sometimes it is simply a lack of imagination that fails to get us off the couch.  Jogging is not for everyone, but one of these sports might be.

Here’s a quick list of less common activities that you may not have thought of trying; rock-climbing, volleyball, soccer, hula-hooping, slack-lining, golf, mountain biking, hiking, standup paddle boarding, roller skating, skateboarding, dancing, Pilates and yoga, just to name a few.

Did you know - Action Sports Clinic

 

Many people think that as they get older, learning new skills becomes too hard. The truth is, that with a bit of patience, you can surprise yourself with your ability to learn new things at any age. The brain is capable of incredible change and adaptation to new stimulus. Learning new things can be a great source of confidence and exercise has been shown to improve your brain function overall.

Many activities can help you meet new people and open you up to new communities.

Even solo sports often have well connected communities of like-minded enthusiasts. Surfers have surf clubs, or often meet each other in the water, rock climbers are always looking for more people to take adventures with and people who wake up at 5am to do boot camp together become great friends. As we leave high school and university, it can be harder to create new social connections. Using exercise as a way to make new friends can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing. In many activities, the communities are extremely supportive of beginners and you might be surprised at how friendly they are to newcomers.

Your physiotherapist is able to give you great advice on which activities might suit your ability level and they can give you some tips to ensure you stay injury free when starting your new hobby.

More From The Blog

The latest news, commentary and recipes from the team at Action Sports Clinic.

Understanding Referred Pain

Understanding Referred Pain

Referred pain is the term used when pain is felt at a different location to the source that is sending the pain signal. There are many kinds of referred pain, and some are easier to explain than others.

Common Running Injuries

Common Running Injuries

As running is a repetitive impact activity, most running injuries develop slowly and can be challenging to treat. Here are three of the most common conditions faced by runners.

Billy Wu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Awesome physiotherapists. Have my long-term health in mind when offering treatment plans. Very patient in explaining my issues. Great support staff, responsive to schedule changes and inquiries.

Jen Scheerschmidt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Initial Assessment went well. Office was busy but staff were attentive and on the ball. Dr. Rennick was gentle and adjusted my back well. I will be back for another appointment.

Morgan Tarves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I attend Action Sports Clinic to see my physiotherapist – Darra. Darra is very knowledgeable, attentive, and truly knows his sports medicine. I would highly recommend Darra to anyone who has a sports injury or is in need of physiotherapy. The front desk staff are very friendly and helpful, and are able to answer all of my questions.

David Langille ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve been seeing Shawn and the Action team since 2012 for my sports therapy needs and I’m better for it! Treatment and pro-tips (including video feedback on movement coaching) from someone who is client focused and active makes all the difference.

Cameron Belisle-O’Donnell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve had an excellent experience having some physio work done on my shoulder. Shawn and his team are experts at what they do. They’re friendly, punctual, and down to earth. I would highly recommend them!

David MacIntyre ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent place for physio. Jeannine fixed up my back. Help with improve my form on exercises. Highly recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer?

We specialize in the practice of Sports Medicine and provide services related to Sports Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Physical Therapy, Massage as well as off the shelf and custom Prosthetics & Orthotics.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes! We take pride in personal service and being very accomodating. Please click any of our Appointment Buttons and submit your information, we will be in touch to confirm your date and time.

Where is your office located?

We are located in downtown Calgary at 639 – 5th Ave SW – Suite 130. Easy street access right across 5th Avenue from Tim Hortons. Limited customer parking available at rear of building.

What are the office hours?

We are open Monday – Friday from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Do I need a referral from my physician?

No, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment.

Do you provide custom brace solutions?

Yes, Dr. Rennick is qualified by the world’s top orthoepedic brands to develop custom bracing solutions for many conditions.

What Brands does Action Sports Clinic Carry?

We carry brands from the worlds top manufacturers including Donjoy, Össur, CTi, Bauerfeind, Thuasne and more.

Ask A Question?

Get in Touch

(403) 263-2225

admin@actionsportsclinic.ca

 

Open Hours

Sunday          Closed
Monday          9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday         9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday   9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday       9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday             9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday       Closed

 

639 5 Avenue Southwest Suite 130
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9

Action Sports Clinic