It’s already been more than half a year since the first outbreak of COVID-19, but the pandemic continues to be a serious threat. As much as people want to go out, travel and other outdoor activities may need to be put on hold for a few more months.
Being indoors for so long can really put a damper in one’s mood. In these difficult times, one needs to keep themselves entertained through other means. The struggle is worse for some of us who are used to going out on adventures.
But staying indoors can be just as exciting and active as the outdoors. For those who are looking to explore new recreational activities while indoors, here are some that they could try:
Archery
This is an extremely fun and challenging sport that you can do inside your home. Although the bow and arrow can be pricey, novice archers can rent bows for the day. Most of these shooting ranges are managed by seasoned archers as well, so the bows are well-maintained.
Don’t worry about the lack of experience in the sport. The staff there will gladly give newcomers tips and tricks on how to do it. They usually charge by the hour or per day. However, there’s usually an option to have a monthly or yearly subscription. This can include an all-access pass or discounted price for those who decide to take it up more seriously.
This sport knows no age, and it’s amazing to watch kids as young as ten make perfect shots. There’s even a safer version called archery tag. The arrows aren’t pointed, and players can work in teams to get the most hits.
Wall Climbing
For those who want the thrill of climbing without the actual danger of falling, indoor wall climbing is a great option. Wall climbing gyms have huge walls with a variety of holds. They are arranged according to difficulty, and the staff there will tell the climbers which areas are for beginners.
There are two options for climbing gyms: bouldering and rope climbing. The former doesn’t require any equipment, so the climbers just go straight to the wall without a harness and see how they manage. If a climber falls, there’s no danger because the ground is padded with thick layers. Every foot of a wall should have one-inch-thick flooring.
Rope climbing requires a belayer, but the staff is often trained belayers. This means that anyone can go in alone as long as they don’t mind waiting in line.
Indoor Simulators
Get a sense of nature without actually being in nature through virtual simulators. Technology has advanced so well that even aerobic exercise can be done online. One of the earliest and most common developments is virtual golf, where players stand in front of a large screen and pretend that they are swinging outdoors. Some people do this because they can’t always go out to a real golf course or the weather doesn’t allow them to practice their form.
Another new development is indoor cycling. Competitive cyclists and triathletes sometimes use this to train when they don’t have the means to go outside. Their bikes are attached to trainers, which allow them to pedal fast while remaining stationary. This is accompanied by mobile apps that have virtual courses. The latest fitness technology has allowed devices to accurately track the speed of the bike, and this translates to distance on the app.
Virtual Reality
Similar to indoor sports, virtual reality (VR) gives the player a more interactive and immersive experience. It’s just a step above the old Wii Sports we know and love. With just a few accessories, you can replicate the feel of actually doing the sport itself.
There are a lot of different sports that have been created for VR. There are games for bowling, tennis, and sword games. VR has even elevated dance games by adding lightsabers to them for additional difficulty. It might not be as effective in teaching the skills and forms needed for the sports, but it’s still a fun hobby for those looking for something different.
Note that some people can get negative reactions from VR. There are individuals whose brains react whenever they see flashing lights.
Being indoors does not mean the end of exciting and thrilling hobbies. Nowadays, technology has grown to imitate sports activities to allow people to actually train and practice even during the off-season. A lot of hobbyists and competitive players start out in indoor versions of sports. Once they have developed their confidence, that’s when they start experimenting by going outdoors.
