Let’s be honest for a second. January is just around the corner and many of us will be setting ourselves health and fitness related goals.
For many of us, we’ll declare our commitment to the gym. By the 15th of the month, statistically speaking, we’ll have quit our resolutions. We’ll have been to the gym a few times, stared at a rowing machine with deep suspicion, and decided that “getting fit” is actually not as important as not being in the gym.
The problem isn’t you. It’s the exercise. Running on a treadmill is a bit like being a hamster, only with more expensive trainers. For me personally, I stick with my gym sessions – but only because I want the strength for the sports and activities I TRULY love (football and hiking in my case).
So if you’re one of the many who just hasn’t quite found that active pursuit they’ve fallen in love with yet, but you want to get active in 2026, you don’t need a gym membership. we’ve got you covered. Maybe you don’t need a gym membership on 1st January. Maybe instead you need a game. One where you are so busy trying to win that you forget you are accidentally doing cardio.
Here are 5 unusual sports exploding across the UK right now that you may want to try.
1. Padel Tennis
The Vibe: Tennis, but for people who want to have a laugh.
What is it? Imagine squash and tennis had a baby. It is played in a glass box (so the ball never goes out of play), the racquets look like giant cheese graters, and it is usually played as doubles.
Why play it? It is arguably the fastest-growing sport in the UK right now, with the LTA aiming for 1,000 courts by 2026. It is easier to pick up than tennis (the serve is underarm!) and incredibly social.
Sweat Rating: 💧💧 (Moderate – lots of sharp bursts).
2. Octopush (Underwater Hockey)
The Vibe: Sub-aquatic chaos.
What is it? Believe it or not, this was invented in Southsea, Portsmouth, back in 1954. You wear a mask, snorkel, and fins, and use a tiny stick to push a heavy puck across the bottom of a swimming pool.
Why play it? If you love swimming but get bored counting tiles, this is for you. It is fantastic for lung capacity and is completely non-impact (great for dodgy knees).
Sweat Rating: 💧💧💧 (Hard – try holding your breath while sprinting!).
3. Footgolf
The Vibe: A Sunday walk ruined by a football.
What is it? Golf, but played with a size 5 football and your feet. The holes are massive (bucket-sized), and you play on actual golf courses.
Why play it? It is low pressure and high banter. You don’t need any special kit other than trainers and a sense of humour when you shank the ball into a bunker.
Sweat Rating: 💧 (Low – mostly walking and chatting).
4. Korfball
The Vibe: The ultimate equaliser.
What is it? A Dutch sport that is similar to netball and basketball. The unique twist? It is mixed gender (4 men, 4 women per team), and you cannot shoot if someone is defending you.
Why play it? It relies on teamwork over individual brilliance. You can’t just be a ball-hog. Plus, the baskets are very high (3.5m), so scoring feels immensely satisfying.
Sweat Rating: 💧💧💧 (High – lots of running into space).
5. Quadball (Formerly Quidditch)
The Vibe: Serious sport, magical roots.
What is it? Yes, it started from that book series, but it has evolved into a serious, full-contact athletics sport. It is mixed gender, inclusive and involves rugby style tackling while holding a “broom” (plastic pipe).
Why play it? The community is famously friendly (“Brooms Up!”), and it combines elements of dodgeball, rugby, and tag.
Sweat Rating: 💧💧💧 (Very High – it is full contact!).
🎲 Can’t Decide?
Don’t panic. We built a machine to choose for you. Use the Sport-o-Matic 3000 below to find your perfect match.
The Sport-o-Matic 3000 🎯
First things first: People.
Your perfect weird 2026 sport is...
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