The Weird World of Sports

Acknoledgement to FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Staying in good shape can be a rather difficult task. Personally, while I may struggle to stay on top of having a specific exercise plan in effect, I find that I am generally happier when I do. Lets face it, not only is it gratifying to have a goal to accomplish when exercising, but it is also nice to be able to have a way to blow off steam.

Everyone’s method of staying active and in shape varies to some degree. While some people might prefer working out at their own pace, either at home or in the gym, others might prefer to get involved with a wide range of varied sports which opens up a whole new set of unique experiences.

Recently, for instance, a new challenge has been introduced in the United Kingdom for sports enthusiasts. Underwater cycling. That’s right, according to Reuters, “The London School of Diving has developed what it says is the worlds first underwater turbo training cycle and it’s thrown open a challenge to find the fastest person to cycle a mile underwater.” While this might not constitute a practical way of staying in shape on a regular basis, it certainly offers a real challenge for those who do. Reuters interviewed one diver who said, “It’s quite hard work. A lot harder than we anticipated it being…you really have to use all of the skills you learn as a diver to stay solidly on the bike.

Besides offering cycling and scuba diving enthusiasts a challenge, the underwater cycling competition also serves as a charity event as well. In order to take advantage of the opportunity and compete, cyclists must pay a £100 entry fee which goes to the U.K. Charity Sport Relief which, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation “has raised millions to help transform the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people, both at home and across the world’s poorest countries” since it was started in 2002.

With that in mind, British sports fans, who are participating in this event, have a new incentive to stay in shape. Not only will they be rising to a rather unique challenge, but they will be helping mankind in the process. What more could they ask for? The only question remains – when will we get underwater cycling here in the States?