Badminton is more than a garden-party game, it's an Olympic sport. And an exciting one too with five gold medals up for grabs this Summer. Get ready for the London games and learn the details and history of this very British game. Get your shuttlecocks ready, matches being July 28 with medal events starting Aug. 3.
After taking a few fitness lessons from Maid Marion, I started thinking about other old school activities that are due for a comeback. Besides, everything old becomes new again at some point, right? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these activities are next in line for a rebirth. Badminton, anyone?
I don't know what it is about playing badminton, but that game is just so funny to me. I love the dinky racquets, the flimsy net and of course the shuttlecock (I call it a birdy) - it seems to have a mind of its own!
The game is pretty simple. All you need is 1 net, 1 birdy, 2-4 rackets, and 2-4 players. After you set the net up, you try hitting the birdy over the net, and your opponent hits it back to you.
Badminton is actually an Olympic Sport, so there are specific rules that go along with the game. I think it's more fun to see how many times we can volley back and forth before the birdy touches the ground.
This game is great for all ages since it's easy and fun, there isn't much equipment, and you don't have to worry about seriously getting injured. It does require some hand-eye coordination skills, moderate leaping, acute agility, and lightning speed to run and hit the birdy over the net. I'll tell you though - I end up working my core muscles more than anything from falling to the ground and laughing so hard, but that's just me.
Fit's Tips: You can purchase a badminton set (Amazon, $24.95) that comes with a carrying case so you can bring it along the next time you go to the beach, park, or a BBQ. That way you can fit in a little exercise in between all the eating and drinking.
Want to see a picture of the badminton set? Then read more
