Professional athletes must dedicate an enormous amount of their time and energy to their sport. This can include training, traveling, competing, recovery, and preparation. This does not leave a huge amount of free time, but it is vital that professional athletes have hobbies and activities that they can turn to in their spare time. Having hobbies allows professional athletes to disconnect from their sport, express themselves, and unwind. Of course, everyone is different and has different interests, but there are a few hobbies that are popular among professional athletes across various sports. Here are a few of the most popular professional athlete hobbies.
1. Video Games
These days, many professional athletes are avid gamers. Video games can be a great way for professional athletes to unwind and enjoy quality time at home, which will assist with recovery and also help them reduce stress through escapism. Games across all genres are popular, and many pro athletes enjoy playing games online – this means that you could be playing with a pro athlete the next time that you are online!
2. Meditation
It is the dream of many people to play sports for a living, but many underestimate the amount of stress that is involved in this. There is tremendous pressure placed on professional athletes, which can take its toll on mental well-being. Additionally, pro athletes live in the public eye these days, which means that they do not get much privacy. Many also suffer from negative comments on social media. Altogether, it is not surprising that meditation is such a popular hobby for pro athletes, as this can do wonders for mental health. In addition to stress reduction, meditation could also help to improve their performance by developing their mindfulness and concentration levels. This is also a hobby that they can easily do in just 5 or 10 minutes when at home or on their travels.
3. Golf
Golf is one of the most popular hobbies among pro athletes and celebrities. This is because it provides the opportunity to escape from their daily lives, spend time in nature, and enjoy a fun game. Additionally, many use golf as a social activity that allows them to catch up with friends. There are several notable pro athletes that are passionate golfers, including:
- Michael Jordan
- Gareth Bale
- Steph Curry
- Tony Romo
4. Fishing
Similarly, fishing is a hobby that pro athletes across many sports turn to. This is because it provides the ability to spend time in nature in a peaceful setting, which can help pro athletes escape and enjoy privacy. Fishing is also a hobby that requires great patience, which is something that any pro athlete needs to have in spades. A few pro athletes who enjoy fishing as a hobby include:
- David Beckham
- Anthony Joshua
- Paul George
- Trent Cole
5. Cooking
Pro athletes must maintain a healthy diet so that they can fuel their bodies and aid recovery. While many athletes will have their meals planned out for them and even have their own chefs, you will find that there are many who like to cook in their spare time. Cooking is a great life skill, and many people find the process fun, interesting, and highly rewarding.
6. Reading
Like many people, lots of athletes enjoy reading in their spare time. Reading is an activity that requires complete concentration, but it can also help people to disconnect and relax. During a time when people often spend a huge amount of time looking at screens (even pro athletes), reading is a valuable hobby to have. Pro athletes often enjoy reading books relating to their sport and competing at the highest level, but many also like to immerse themselves in a gripping fictional story. This is also an activity that many pro athletes will turn to when traveling for work.
7. Casino Games
You will often see pictures of athletes and other celebrities living the high life in Las Vegas casinos, but it is not always easy to find the time to fly to Vegas. Therefore, many pro athletes will play online casino games to get the excitement of playing games like poker, roulette, and blackjack, with the ability to play on a smartphone and anywhere with an internet connection. Many pro athletes find casino games to be a great way to unwind and have some fun, especially with the ability to play live casino games. You can use websites like https://www.bestusacasinosites.com/ to compare the best online casinos. This allows you to find reputable casinos with the best games, as well as find websites that have the best signup deals and promotions.
8. Travel
Professional athletes will often spend a lot of time traveling for competition, but they rarely get the opportunity to get out and explore. Unsurprisingly, many will use their off-season time to travel to exotic locations around the world. This is the perfect way for pro athletes to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones after a grueling and demanding season. It also allows them to escape the public eye, which can help them recharge their batteries and enjoy peace and quiet.
9. Time With Loved Ones
Leading on from this, pro athletes have demanding schedules and will spend a lot of time training, competing, and traveling. This means that they often struggle to spend quality time with loved ones, which can take its toll. This is why pro athletes will prioritize spending time with loved ones in their free time, especially during their offseason.
These are a few of the most common hobbies enjoyed by pro athletes in their spare time. Professional athletes have careers that are incredibly demanding and use up most of their time and energy. This means that the spare time that they do have must be used in an enjoyable manner, so hobbies are hugely important to pro athletes. Many of these hobbies help athletes relax, unwind, and recharge their batteries, which is vital when they have such stressful and demanding careers.
Disclaimer:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling.
Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976.
Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009.
Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here:
Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.
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