A Completely Unqualified Review of Every Sport I've Tried as an Adult (So Far)

From Pilates and cricket to golf, skiing and bouldering, here's my completely unqualified review of every sport I've attempted as a fully grown adult.

Nobody asked for this, and I'm definitely not qualified to provide it.

But over the last few years I've somehow ended up trying everything from bouldering to cricket, with varying levels of success. So here's my completely unqualified review of every sport I've attempted as a fully grown adult.

Some have become genuine hobbies. Some I'll happily leave to people with better coordination.

If you're thinking about trying a new sport, hopefully this helps. If not, at the very least, you can laugh at my experience.

Pilates

Rating: 100/10

Best for: Anyone who wants to feel stronger without sprinting after anything.

I've been doing Pilates for seven years now, which officially makes it the longest relationship I've ever had with a sport. I love that I leave every class feeling stronger than when I walked in. It never feels like punishment, and I think that's why I've kept coming back.

Would I do it again? Already booked.

You WILL end up with an addiction to buying grip socks.

Cricket

Rating: It's complicated/10

Best for: People who don't mind being a beginner.

Cricket is the first team sport I've ever played as an adult, which means I've spent a lot of time pretending I know what's going on.

It's equal parts confusing, frustrating and ridiculously rewarding. Every week I seem to learn something new, whether it's a rule, a fielding position or another way to get out. Somehow,'ve become completely obsessed with it.

What surprised me most: How cool it is to watch yourself develop a skill as a 32 year old. Can teach an old dog new tricks. Buying the kit to start thought CAN be expensive, but if you join a softball team - you won't need it!

Would I do it again? Every weekend, apparently.

Looking the part is easier than batting.

Golf

Rating: 8/10

Best for: People who enjoy fresh air, good company or solo time and getting your steps in  

Golf became infinitely more enjoyable once I accepted that lessons were probably a good idea. Before that, I was mostly paying to donate golf balls to nearby bushes.

The outfits also deserve a special mention.

Biggest lesson learnt: Get a cart so you can give up after 8 holes and read a book.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Bouldering/Rock climbing (dunno the difference)

Rating: 4.5/10

Best for: People with stronger forearms than me.

Turns out long nails and climbing walls have very different goals. Everyone else somehow floated up the wall while I clung on like a frightened koala.

My biggest mistake: Assuming upper-body strength wasn't that important.

Would I do it again? No x

Hiking

Rating: It depends on the incline.

Best for: People who enjoy walking further than necessary.

Flat walk? Love it. Mountain? Respectfully, no thanks.

I've realised I don't actually dislike hiking, just dislike steep hills. If the route ends at a country pub with a good lunch menu, suddenly I'm much more enthusiastic. Is that hiking? Probably not.

Ideal conditions: Mild weather, good company and somewhere serving hot chippies at the finish.

Would I do it again? If there's food at the end.

Weight Training

Rating: 7/10

Best for: People who enjoy routines and measurable progress.

I loved how strong weight training made me feel, and seeing progress over time was incredibly satisfying.

What I didn't love was doing the same thing every week. I've learnt my brain enjoys exercise that feels a little less repetitive.

Unexpected benefit: Feeling stronger in everyday life is much more rewarding than lifting heavier weights.

Would I do it again? Yes, but probably alongside another sport.

Skiing

Rating: 6/10

Best for: People with better balance—and less fear—than me.

I loved when I went in high school and couple times as a kid. Adult me, however, has a frontal lobe and quickly went back down on the ski lift after my first wobble (see in image, and squint really hard to look in the background).

The reality: Confidence is definitely lower at thirty than it was at ten.

Would I do it again? Yes... cautiously.

Fishing

Rating: 8/10

Best for: Anyone who enjoys slowing down.

Fishing reminds me of home. It's peaceful until suddenly it isn't.

Nobody talks enough about how much effort it actually takes to reel in a fish. It's surprisingly physical, but mostly it's an excuse to spend hours outside doing very little, which I'm increasingly learning is underrated.

Favourite part: Sitting by the water with absolutely no pressure to be productive.

Would I do it again? Tomorrow.

The Hot Girl Walk

Rating: 10/10

Best for: Literally everyone.

A coffee in one hand. A friend who likes a yap. Fresh air. Maybe a sweet treat along the way.

I'm not saying this is the perfect sport, but I'm also not not saying that.

Essentials: Comfortable shoes, caffeine and someone who enjoys a good gossip.

Would I do it again? Daily.

Would I Recommend Trying Sports as an Adult?

Absolutely.

Trying new sports as an adult has taught me one thing: you don't have to be naturally sporty to enjoy sport. I kinda You just have to be willing to look a little bit silly while you're figuring it out.

Some sports have stuck (or suck). Others definitely haven't.

Because being "not that sporty" has turned out to be a pretty good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest sport to start as an adult?

Pilates, walking and golf (with lessons if you can afford!) are all great options because you can learn at your own pace.

Is cricket hard to learn as an adult?

It can feel overwhelming at first, but it's incredibly rewarding once you start understanding the game. Joining a welcoming local club, especially if they have a softball league, makes a huge difference.

What's the best sport if you're "not that sporty"?

Honestly? Whatever you'll actually keep doing. Mine ended up being Pilates and cricket—two sports I never expected to love.