Embarking on a new athletic journey is not only an excellent way to stay fit but also a great opportunity for fun and self-discovery. As you dive into the world of individual sports, it's essential to find something easy to start, enjoyable, and budget-friendly. The following 10 sports offer a winning combination of these aspects, ensuring your path to fitness is also a path to joy. From table tennis to swimming, this list has something for every budding athlete.

Swimming

All you need for swimming is a swimsuit, goggles, and access to a pool, which makes the cost relatively low. Besides, swimming is easy to start since you can begin at any pace or intensity. It's a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscle strength.

Cycling

With the one-time cost of a bicycle (which can range from $100 to over $1000 depending on your preferences) and a helmet, cycling is another accessible sport. It’s easy to start with gentle routes and gradually increase the distance or difficulty. Cycling builds stamina, muscle strength, and flexibility, with the added bonus of enjoying the great outdoors.

Hiking

Hiking just needs comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and a well-marked trail. Shoe costs can vary, starting from around $40 to over $200 for high-end hiking boots. Hiking is straightforward to start, offers fantastic views and fresh air, and improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and mental wellbeing.

Yoga

For yoga, a mat and comfortable clothing are all you need, costing around $20-$100. Many online classes are available for beginners, making it easy to get started. Yoga enhances flexibility, muscle tone, balance, and contributes to stress relief and mental clarity.

Table Tennis

Table tennis requires a paddle and balls, which will cost about $20-$100, plus access to a table. It's simple to start, as it doesn’t demand extensive physical exertion or complex rules. This sport boosts reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and mental acuity.

Golf

Although golf can be expensive due to equipment costs and green fees, many courses offer rental equipment and discounted beginner packages. The basic golf set can range from $200 to $400. The sport is relatively easy to start playing, with plenty of tutorials and beginner courses available. Golf promotes good hand-eye coordination, concentration, and strategic thinking.

Bowling

A set of bowling shoes and a ball will cost around $100-$200. Most bowling alleys offer equipment rental and beginner-friendly environments. Bowling is easy to start playing, and it promotes hand-eye coordination, balance, and concentration.

Boxing

Boxers need gloves and wraps, which will cost about $30-$100, plus access to a punching bag. It's an easy sport to begin, especially with numerous online tutorials. Boxing boosts cardiovascular health, total body strength, and provides an effective stress relief outlet.

Skateboarding

Starting to skateboard primarily requires a skateboard, which can range from $40 to $150, and safety gear like a helmet and knee pads. It's relatively easy to start in any flat, open space, and you can learn at your own pace. Skateboarding improves balance, flexibility, and coordination while also giving a decent aerobic workout.

Running

Running is perhaps the easiest sport to start playing because all you need is a decent pair of shoes. The average cost of good running shoes ranges between $50 to $150. Besides burning calories, running strengthens your cardiovascular system, improves mood through the release of endorphins, and is an excellent stress reliever.