Olympics 2012: Inspiring Sports To Try Yourself (PICTURES)

Ready, Steady, Go! Inspiring Olympic Sports You Can Try
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If the sight of fit Olympians training for the 2012 London Olympics has inspired you to rev up your daily fitness regime, you're not alone.

Kesh Patel, research and development manager for leading fitness training provider Premier Training International, predicts that the London 2012 Olympics will spur thousands to make changes to their workouts.

"For decades, the Olympics have inspired many people in many different ways," Kesh Patel told HuffPost Lifestyle.

"For some, the spectator experience is enough to motivate a change in current lifestyle and health behaviours; for others, the sheer athleticism and aesthetic beauty of seeing the body being taken to the limits of human performance may inspire improvements in their own sporting activities."

'Celebrity Fit Club' nutritionist Dr Adam Carey, who has prepared athletes taking part on the 2012 Games, says he has seen a spike in people doing exercise just for fun.

"The Olympics will inspire not just the next generation of competitive athletes but also a huge number of adults into taking up recreational sport, which is just fantastic.

Scroll down to see our suggestions! (PICTURES)

"We are seeing large numbers of middle aged men and women coming into triathlon events, which is fantastic, as well as taking up established sports like windsurfing or newer Olympic sports such as beach volley ball and kite surfing, which will be coming into the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro."

And it's not just physical benefits that you can reap...

"People often underestimate the psychological benefits that come with being inspired by such a great sporting event," explains Patel.

"The historical and cultural relevance of the Olympics can bring about an unconscious bonding with others. There's a great feel-good factor and satisfaction to be gained from seeing your team or country perform well.

"And as this year it's being held in London, this is likely to be a once in a lifetime experience that will continue to inspire everyone long after the Games have ended."

So if you’re bored of the gym and sick of Zumba classes, take inspiration from the London Games by introducing Olympian-inspired twists to your regime.

Anna Reich, Simple fitness expert and personal trainer, says: "The joy and rapture that the Olympians feel when they cross the finish line can be yours upon completing your first 5km, aerobics class or Bikram yoga session.

"As with the Olympic games, there are enough activities out there to choose from. See, no excuses!"

From bow and arrow fitness, to sweating it out in the swimming pool, HuffPost Lifestyle has some great suggestions on how to invigorate your routine.

Inspiring Olympic Sports
Inspiring Olympic Sports(01 of10)
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If you're bored of your everyday exercise routine, step it up a gear and seek inspiration from the London 2012 Olympics. (credit:Alamy)
Table Tennis(02 of10)
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Why try it? The average person burns 272 calories playing table tennis for an hour. A high-speed, energetic game gets the heart racing and improves eye-hand co-ordination. Get involved and check out where your local table tennis club is here: The English Table Tennis Association or take a look at the British Racketlon for all ping pong related news.Be inspired:Table tennis spectacular(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Water Polo(03 of10)
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Why try it? If you've never heard of it, water polo is what it says on the tin - but without the polo sticks and horses! It's more like rugby in a swimming pool and requires players to be strong (and fast!) swimmers. This energetic exercise uses every muscle in your body and burns lots of fat and calories, as well as being a lot of fun! Find out where you can sign up here.Be inspired: 2012 Olympic water polo player talks (VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Synchronised Swimming(04 of10)
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Why try it? It's not your average exercise regime, but if you can get a group of friends together, it can work wonders for your fitness levels. You will need to be a strong swimmer and be able to hold your breath for a long time. An ideal exercise to try if you're looking to build your stamina, body strength and muscle flexibility. Think you've got what it takes, take a look here for your nearest clubBe inspired:Amazing synchronised swimming in action(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Weight Lifting(05 of10)
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Why try it? Team GB Olympic hopeful Zoe smith has paved the way for female weightlifting so why not try it yourself? Contrary to popular belief, lifting weights won't bulk you up like the Incredible Hulk! By using smaller, lighter weights, you can improve posture and generally sculpt your body's core muscles. If you're interested in trying it out, take a look at Strength Ambassadors 'Ladies Who Lift'.Be Inspired:World's Oldest Bodybuilding Grandma(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Taekwondo(06 of10)
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Why try it? Gain new skills on self-defence, discipline and mental agility with taekwondo - essential skills for every woman to have. It also helps tone up muscles and stamina, plus builds confidence. The British Taekwondo Club has all you need to know if you want to sign up.Be inspired:Best of taekwondo(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Canoeing(07 of10)
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Why try it? Put your arm and upper body strength to the test by signing up to a canoeing or kayaking course. If you're looking for an effective (and different!) way to banish flabby arms and bingo wings - canoeing is a great way to tone up your arms, back, shoulders and chest. The British Canoe Union has all you need to know about courses, classes and information. Be inspired:Amazing canoeing skills(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Archery(08 of10)
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Why try it? Be inspired by the 10 former British Olympic medallists since 1988 (and maybe the Hunger Games) and try your hand at archery. Once you've nailed the technique, shooting a an arrow from your bow can tone up your upper body and boost concentration (as you have to make sure you hit the target!) and co-ordination. Fancy having a go? Check out 2020 Archery for more information about local courses and clubs.Be inspired:The most accurate bow shot ever(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Fencing(09 of10)
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Why try it? Fencing classes can provide a flurry of benefits when taken on with a new sense of expert finesse and heightened respect. It's a great way to improve the body's flexibility, balance and co-ordination, plus it's a good way to sealer your mind after a hard day's work! The London Fencing Club offers a six-week programme promising to increase your agility as well as transforming you into a charming, lethal blade. Also check out The British Fencing Club.Be inspired:When fencing meets Ballet(VIDEO) (credit:Alamy)
Hockey(10 of10)
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Why try it? Hockey is a fast paced, energetic and dynamic sport available to all abilities across the country through programmes such as Back to Hockey and Rush Hockey. An amazing 400 calories can be burnt through 30minutes of playing hockey! Dribbling the ball, shooting to the goal and tackling your opponent (gently of course!) improves cardiovascular fitness and tones those all important targets of thighs, bum, tum and bingo wings. Visit Hockey Nation for information on local clubs and free courses. Be inspired:Creative hockey goals. (credit:Alamy)