Sports in Amsterdam: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Let me introduce you to Amsterdam – the beautiful country that experienced very profound history heard and seen through its numerous canals. Besides, it is liberal in art and architecture and also provides ample opportunities for exercising in sports for the residents of the city as well as tourists. If you are interested in getting into sports and you are in Amsterdam, this guide will present best options for beginners.
1. Cycling
Amsterdam is famous for bicycles all over the world, and it is not a wonder why, because there are many bike roads in the city. Hiring a bicycle is among the best thing to do in the city and engaging in sporting activities. There are many rent-a-bicycle outlets in the city and you have to ensure to ride as per the rules of the traffic signals and ensure to take necessary precautions while riding on the pedestrain.
2. Football (Soccer)
Football, or soccer as it is called particularly in some countries, tops the list of most popular sport in the Netherlands. Amsterdam at the present moment has many football clubs and watching a live match is always an exciting affair. The leading club in the city is the Ajax which has a long and successful history and receives good results in the national and European championships.
2.1 Joining a Football Team
Should you become passionate about football and maybe want to take it a notch higher, then it is advisable to join local teams or amateur leagues. It’s a perfect opportunity to practice with new partners familiarize yourself with the essence of such an activity in Amsterdam. Perhaps you should search for the local sports clubs or any centers that provide football for the beginners.
3. Watersports
This gave it an added advantage because it hosts several canals and greatly close to the sea, thus providing the foundation for a series of watersport activities. You will be able to look all types of rentals and clubs in the areas of kayaking, paddleboarding as well as sailing. The water in the city’s canals is relatively calm good for those who are starting with the canoeing as well as for having relaxing trip.
4. Tennis
Another main activity that can be done in Amsterdam is playing tennis; there are many tennis courts present in this city. From the perspective of seasoned specialist, experienced players, as well as those who just starting to play, rent a court and play with friends or relatives, this is a great way to have a good time. Some of the tennis clubs also provide lessons for the novice, where one can enhance their talents with trainers’ assistance.
5. Running
Runners will find nothing wrong with the parks and other woody areas in Amsterdam. This makes the running trails varied and the best facilities to enjoy your scenic running include Vondelpark, the Amsterdamse Bos, and Westerpark among others. Take a jog to the perimeter and everywhere within the open air and attractions of nature with a quick workout in the morning or evening.
5.1 Joining a Running Group
Also if you are a group runner or being is interested in joining a group of fellow joggers, you can join any of these running groups found in Amsterdam. These groups cater for those who want to run and be with like-minded people, beginners, up to those who want to run marathons. It’s especially helpful to stay motivated and to find new routes that could be taken in the city.
- Gym and Fitness Centers
Honestly, Most of the fitness centers and gyms are located indoor and if you are interested in this type of workouts, you will not find it difficult to locate one in Amsterdam. Most of them are equipped with excellent equipment, group exercise sessions, and training sessions for individuals. When studying the Fitness field, it would be interesting to become a member of a local gym and watch classes such as yoga, spinning or strength training.
6.1 Choosing the Right Gym
When choosing the gym, the factors to be put into consideration are the place, the cost, available amenities, and the time the gym opens for classes. Most of the gyms commonly avail trial memberships that enable you to assess that gym before joining it. Do not be afraid to talk to people of the locals in order to get more information and which gym you should use.
7. Ice Skating
This means that in the winter season especially, due to the freezing of the canals, the activity of ice skating is rife in Amsterdam. This paved way for the creation of several ice rinks all over the city since its water bodies freeze during winter season. The local shops, as well as rental services, provide skates that one needs in order to experience ice skating as embraced by the locals. In addition, the city in discussion has several indoor ice skates that are operational all the year-round, this makes the city a good place to practice the sport.
Conclusion
Amsterdam has numerous and diverse opportunities for everyone to engage in sports and recreation for novices. They can either cycle along the canals, find out more about football craze, do water activities, or the other activities such as tennis, jogging, strengthening, skating etc. Take the opportunity to participate in such activity, meet new people, and indulge oneself in a very active life of Amsterdam. That is why they need to keep fit, be active, have a fun and Get Ready For The Thrills Of Your Sporting Endeavours In This Dynamic City!
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