BLOG: Finding your joy in movement
Posted: Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:11
Connor Burleigh, National Management Trainee, City of Doncaster Council, shares with us his thoughts on setting New Year's Resolutions, and finding the joy in movement. Read on for some great suggestions about different ways you might enjoy being active in Doncaster this year...
January is a popular time of year for settings goals, but it can often be difficult to see them through. Research has shown that most people (up to 80%!) give up on their new year's resolutions by the second Friday of January – so if you set a resolution this year, you may have already given up on it by the time you read this blog. This might sound discouraging, but when research shows us how common this is, we know that this is not an issue just for individual people, but there is clearly a problem with the kind of resolutions we all set. We want to encourage you to practice self-compassion this year and set goals that are specific, achievable, and of value to you!
Joyful Movement
Joining a gym is a common new year's resolution and can be a great way to embed physical activity into your routine, but we know that it doesn't work out for everybody. If you've struggled with this resolution in previous years, maybe we can rethink what being "physically active" means to you.
Being more physically active is a fantastic goal. It is important to remember to choose kindness for yourself when setting new year's resolutions, by aiming to take part in physical activities that bring you joy. This will mean that you truly enjoy the physical activity you participate in and is more likely to lead to long-lasting habits.
This is different for everybody - you might find joy in dancing, gardening, football, or walking the dog - it is about doing whatever works best for you and whatever brings you the most joy. Your favourite physical activity might be one you've never even heard of yet!
In Doncaster, we have so many different activities for you to get involved in to be more active, learn new skills, and meet new people. This quick blog will showcase some of the most unique activities that Doncaster has to offer that you might not have ever heard of before.
1. Pickleball:
Pickleball is America's fastest growing sport and probably one that you haven't heard of yet. Surprisingly there are Pickleball clubs in Doncaster. Pickleball is great for all ages and is based more on improving your control and reactions rather than just speed and power.
Pickleball is played as either singles or doubles with a badminton-sized court and a shorter tennis net. The game follows specific pickleball rules designed to ensure fair play and enjoyable competition.
Scoring is simple - the winner is the first player or team to get 11 points. Like in a tie-break in tennis or paddle, however, you have to win by two clear points. If the score is tied at 10-10, you keep going until one side goes two points clear.
If you have any further interest in giving this game a try, please click on the links below:
Pickleball Doncaster, The USA's Fastest Growing Sport is in Doncaster
2. Pétanque [French Boules]
Pétanque, often called French Boules, is at its core very simply about throwing your Boules, as close as possible to the Jack over a 6 to 10 metres gravel pitch.
A new pétanque pitch opened in Hexthorpe Flatts Park last year, and a local Pétanque club meets regularly.
Learn about how to get involved here:
Doncaster Pétanque Club (French Boules) | Facebook
3. Paddleboarding
The next spot on the list goes not just to a sport but to a club in Doncaster, the Paddleboarding club. Here you can take part in a variety of activities such as Canoeing, Pool session, Sea Paddling, Kayaking, White Water Paddling and they also do club trips away.
They also offer beginners sessions too along with social paddles.
If you are interested in learning more click on the link below:
The Home of Paddle UK | The NGB for paddling and paddlesport
4: Walking Football
Walking Football is a great way to stay active and become part of a team. It can be suited to a range of abilities, and there are clubs across Doncaster who welcome new members.
Find out more about Walking Football Clubs here
Please see a recent campaign by Get Doncaster Moving for some more information: 'Dodgy Knees Welcome!'
5: Dance On
Dance On offer inclusive and welcoming dance classes across Doncaster, as well as online dance classes you can enjoy from home!
Dance On classes are built on gentle movements that are accessible for everyone regardless of ability or fitness level. There are also Dance On sessions which focus specifically on Strength and Balance, and sessions specifically for people with Parkinson's.
For further information please see below:
Welcome to Dance On Doncaster! - Doncaster
Find more local clubs and groups on the Your Life Doncaster website.