For people who prefer exercising alone and reveling in the bliss of solitude, running is a great option. But for people who prefer the camaraderie of a team and a connection to those in your local community, recreation (or “rec”) sports are a great option.

From games you used to play during recess, such as kickball, to frisbee, tackle football and basketball, there is a wide range of recreational sports leagues that cater to your individual taste. Rec leagues support competitive fun, are great exercise, and are appropriate for people who love to socialize or just want hang out for a couple hours.

Ultimate Frisbee
In ultimate Frisbee, you run, toss disks, gain ground and score by reaching certain zones. Ultimate, as the shorthand goes, is a strategic, if not energetic, experience usually played with two-seven player squads and a high quality Frisbee on an open field. There are several levels of play:

• Pick up games - great for newbies
• College teams, and
• Club teams.

To qualify for club, you must be a serious Ultimate player with previous knowledge of the sport. Whereas pick up games are open to all and are a fantastic way to meet a new group of people while learning a fun and challenging sport.

The Ultimate Players Association provides information and rules about the sport. It also lists local leagues to help you pick out a club or find a nearby game.

Kickball
A schoolyard favorite is making a comeback. No longer just for elementary kids, many adults are playing recreational kickball and having a great time.

In case you’ve never played, kickball is best explained as being like baseball, except you kick, rather than hit, a ball. The objective is still to round the diamond without “getting out” to score runs for your team.

Kickball can be very social. For example, every World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) team is associated with a local restaurant or bar. Players often congregate after a game, get to know one another or reconnect with old acquaintances. It may sound odd, but many friendships are forged on the kickball diamond.

Rugby
Prefer more intense competition? Rugby, a game similar to American football, may be your speed. The game involves an oval ball and a great deal of running, tackling and kicking. Unlike in American football, the ball carrier can gain ground by running or kicking. Tackles happen frequently, making it a game not for the faint of heart.

Rugby has been gaining popularity in the US through rec leagues, women’s leagues, men’s leagues, college teams and club competitions.

Check out USA Rugby for information on a club near you and more information on the game.

You Never Know
Rec leagues are great opportunity to meet new people and can lead to unexpected professional contacts. Who knows, that person tossing you the disk today may be your co-worker down the road.