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Rediscovering my love for sport
LiveWell Dorset's Liam tells us how revisiting school sports helped him reconnect with movement, wellbeing, and community.
A journey back to movement
Growing up, sports were a big part of my life. From school tournaments to after-class practices, I was always moving - running, jumping, passing, and playing. But like many people, once I left school and entered adulthood, that part of my life quietly faded into the background. Priorities shifted, routines changed, and the structured environment that once made sports so accessible disappeared.
Recently, though, I’ve found myself returning to those familiar fields and courts, not out of nostalgia alone, but out of a deeper need to reconnect with movement, health, and joy.
Reconnecting with old passions
It started with a casual game of football with friends and colleagues from work. The moment I stepped onto the pitch, muscle memory kicked in. I wasn’t as fast or agile as I used to be, but the thrill was still there. That one game reignited something in me, and I began seeking out more opportunities: joining local clubs, attending community sessions, and even organising informal games. I’ve since picked up a few other sports I used to play, each offering its own unique benefits. Whether it’s the strategy and rhythm of volleyball or the raw endurance of football, each one brings a sense of fulfilment that I never found in a treadmill session.
Why the gym didn’t quite fit
Gyms are fantastic spaces for many people - they offer structure, equipment, and a dedicated environment for fitness. I admire the discipline and consistency that gym-goers maintain, and I’ve seen firsthand how effective that setting can be for building strength and endurance.
But for me, something was missing. While I appreciated the physical benefits, I found it hard to stay motivated in a space that felt more solitary. I realised that my drive to stay active is deeply tied to social interaction and variety. I missed the energy of a team, the unpredictability of a game, and the fresh air of outdoor play.
It wasn’t that the gym was bad, it just didn’t align with what inspires me to move. I needed something that felt more like play than routine, more like connection than repetition.
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Movement with purpose
Getting back into sports has done more than just improve my physical health; it’s helped me manage my weight, boost my mental wellbeing, and reconnect with a part of myself I’d almost forgotten. There’s something incredibly motivating about knowing that your workout isn’t just about burning calories; it’s about playing, competing, and growing. Team sports, in particular, have reminded me of the value of community. You’re not just exercising - you’re communicating, collaborating, and celebrating small victories together. That sense of belonging is powerful, especially in a world where so much of adult life can feel isolating.
Looking ahead
I’m not chasing trophies or trying to relive my teenage glory days. I’m simply rediscovering what movement means to me and how it can fit into my life in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Sports have become my way of staying active, not because I have to, but because I want to.
If you’re someone who’s struggled to find joy in traditional fitness routines, I encourage you to think back. What did you love doing as a kid? What made you feel alive? Chances are, those passions are still there, waiting to be reignited.
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