GYMNASTICS
Inspired to hop on a pommel horse or swing from the parallel bars? Or would you rather try rhythmic gymnastics or trampolining? Not to mention tumbling, acrobatics and much more, and there are hundreds of clubs to choose from.
GI guide to Artisitic Gymnastics
GI guide to Rhythmic Gymnastics
GI guide to Trampoline Gymnastics
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HANDBALL
This sport flourished in the 2012 Olympic spotlight, having been big for decades in much of Europe. Did it catch your eye? If so, here’s how to get started.
GI guides to getting started in Handball
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HOCKEY
Were you one of the 600,000 fans who saw Olympic hockey at London 2012? Here’s more info if you want to try the sport or get back into it if you played when you were younger.
GI guide to getting started in Hockey
Parasport: zone hockey, external
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HORSE RACING
The “sport of kings” has a long and illustrious history stretching as far back as ancient Greece, and remains one of the most popular sports on both sides of the Atlantic.
GI guide to getting started in Horse Racing
Hoof – learn to ride in the UK, external
British Horseracing Authority, external
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HURLING
Hurling shares elements with lacrosse, hockey, baseball or football, so if you haven’t given the game a go, it won’t take you long to grasp the basics.
GI guide to getting started in Hurling
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ICE HOCKEY
With teams dotted throughout the UK and the promise of a fast-paced sport approximating the toughest interval training you can imagine, ice hockey offers and exciting and different challenge. Get your skates on.
GI guide to getting started in Ice Hockey
Parasport: sledge hockey, external
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JUDO
It’s not about brute strength: to enjoy judo, your technique and timing count the most. You can even drop the combat entirely and simply use the moves to build fitness – it’s up to you.
GI guide to getting started in Judo
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LUGE
The UK has one, tiny, luge course. You should put it to full use by getting a taste for what amounts to an adrenaline-fuelled, feet-first slide down a mountainside.
GI guide to getting started in Luge
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MARTIAL ARTS
From karate to judo, kickboxing to MMA, martial arts promotes self-defence and wellbeing. Whether you use it for combat or not, there are plenty of ways to get started.
GI guide to getting started in Martial Arts
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MODERN PENTATHLON
Yes, it can be done, and you won’t find a more exciting mix to hold your attention span: fencing, swimming, show jumping, running and shooting.
GI guide to getting started on Modern Pentathlon
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MOTORSPORT
Bikes, karts, rallying and more. Just because you’re sitting in or on something with an engine, it doesn’t mean you won’t get exercise – physical conditioning is a vital element of motorsport.
GI guide to getting started on Motorsport
Motor Sports Association of the United Kingdom, external (MSA)
Motorcycle Sport Scotland , external
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NETBALL
First developed alongside basketball – and sharing many features – netball claims to be the fastest-growing and most popular team sport for women in the world.
GI guide to getting started in Netball
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NORDIC COMBINED
While it’s a tricky proposition to learn this combination of ski jumping and cross-country in the UK, you’ll become incredibly fit (and the envy of friends) if you take it on.
GI guide on getting started in Nordic Combined
Parasport: nordic skiing, external
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ROWING
One of the most physically demanding sports at the Olympics if you really push it, but nobody will mind if you just want to learn the basics and get a little fitter. Opportunities all over the UK.
GI guide on getting started in Rowing
Parasport: adaptive rowing, external
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RUGBY LEAGUE
A crowd-pleasing, physically demanding game with few stoppages and plenty of pace. This sport is highly popular in England, Australia and beyond.
GI guide to getting started in Rugby League
Rugby Football League, external
Parasport: wheelchair rugby league, external
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RUGBY UNION
Get straight into the thick of the scrum in the 15-player game or try rugby sevens, which will make its Olympic debut in 2016.
GI guide to getting started in Rugby Union
Parasport: wheelchair rugby, external
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