No experience needed: beginner-friendly sports for trying something new

Ever wanted to try a new sport but held back because you felt too inexperienced? You're not alone. The fear of being "bad at it" or "too old to start" stops so many people from discovering activities they might love. But here's the secret: everyone was a beginner once, and some of the best sports for meeting people and staying active are incredibly welcoming to newcomers.

If you're in Zurich and looking to try something new, here are beginner-friendly sports where you can jump in with zero experience.

1. Running: the universal starting point

Why it's beginner-friendly: you already know how to run. All you need is a decent pair of shoes and the willingness to start slow.

Getting started: begin with a couch-to-5k program that alternates walking and running. Zurich has incredible running routes along the Limmat, around the lake, or through parks like RieterPark. Start with just 15-20 minutes and gradually build up.

The social angle: running groups are everywhere, and most welcome all paces. With SportBesties, you can find other beginners to run with so you're not trying to keep up with marathoners on your first day out.

Pro tip: don't worry about speed. Focus on consistency. Running three times a week at a comfortable pace beats sprinting once and then quitting because you're too sore.

2. Yoga: all bodies, all levels

Why it's beginner-friendly: yoga is explicitly designed to meet you where you are. Every pose has modifications, and good instructors emphasize listening to your body over perfect form.

Getting started: look for "beginner," "gentle," or "hatha" yoga classes. Many studios in Zurich offer trial classes. If you're nervous about in-person classes, start with youtube videos at home to learn basic poses.

The social angle: yoga classes create a calming, judgment-free environment where everyone's focused on their own practice. It's a great way to meet people in a low-pressure setting.

Pro tip: you don't need to be flexible to start yoga. Flexibility is something you develop through practice, not a prerequisite.

3. Swimming: low-impact, high-benefit

Why it's beginner-friendly: if you can swim at all, you can make it a workout. The water supports your body weight, making it gentle on joints while still providing excellent exercise.

Getting started: Zurich has beautiful public pools and lakeside swimming spots in summer. Start by swimming laps at your own pace. Even 20 minutes of swimming provides a full-body workout.

The social angle: join a swimming group or find a swim buddy through SportBesties. Having someone to meet at the pool makes it more likely you'll actually go.

Pro tip: invest in decent goggles. Comfortable goggles make swimming infinitely more enjoyable.

4. Hiking: adventure at your own pace

Why it's beginner-friendly: hiking is just walking with better views. You can choose trails that match your fitness level, and there's no technique to learn.

Getting started: Switzerland is hiking paradise. Start with easy, well-marked trails around Zurich like Uetliberg. Check trail difficulty ratings and start with ones marked "easy" or "family-friendly."

The social angle: hiking groups are incredibly social and usually very welcoming to beginners. Plus, walking and talking is a natural way to get to know people.

Pro tip: bring more water than you think you need, wear layers you can remove, and don't feel pressured to do long hikes right away. A 2-hour hike with beautiful scenery beats a grueling 6-hour march that makes you never want to hike again.

5. Cycling: explore the city

Why it's beginner-friendly: if you can ride a bike, you're ready to go. Zurich has great bike infrastructure, and you can start with flat, easy routes.

Getting started: if you don't own a bike, Zurich has bike-sharing options. Begin with short rides on dedicated bike paths. The route along the lake is perfect for beginners—flat, scenic, and safe.

The social angle: cycling groups often do casual social rides where the focus is conversation and exploration rather than speed. It's a fun way to see the city while meeting people.

Pro tip: helmets aren't legally required for adults in Switzerland, but they're smart. Also, invest in a good bike lock—bike theft is real.

6. Volleyball: team sport without pressure

Why it's beginner-friendly: recreational volleyball is usually relaxed and focused on fun. Teams often need players, so beginners are welcome.

Getting started: look for casual pick-up games in Zurich's parks during summer or recreational leagues that explicitly welcome beginners. Through SportBesties, you can find casual volleyball meetups where the emphasis is on having fun rather than competitive play.

The social angle: team sports are naturally social. You're working together toward a common goal, which creates instant bonding opportunities.

Pro tip: don't stress about being perfect. In casual games, everyone makes mistakes and most people are just happy to have enough players for a full team.

7. Tennis: classic and accessible

Why it's beginner-friendly: while tennis has a learning curve, you can start hitting balls around with a partner pretty quickly. You don't need to be good to have fun.

Getting started: public courts in Zurich are available for reasonable rates. Start by just rallying with a partner—hitting the ball back and forth without keeping score. Take a few

beginner lessons to learn basic technique.

The social angle: finding a regular tennis partner is a great way to build a consistent friendship and workout routine. You're committed to each other's improvement.

Pro tip: used equipment is fine when you're starting out. Don't invest in expensive rackets until you're sure you'll stick with it.

8. Bouldering: problem-solving meets fitness

Why it's beginner-friendly: climbing gyms in zurich have routes marked by difficulty, so you can start with easy problems and work your way up. Plus, bouldering (climbing without ropes at lower heights) is less intimidating than high wall climbing.

Getting started: most climbing gyms offer introductory courses and rent all the equipment you need. Routes are color-coded by difficulty, so you can easily find ones appropriate for your level.

The social angle: the bouldering community is known for being supportive and encouraging. People often give each other tips and cheer for each other's successes.

Pro tip: your legs are stronger than your arms. Focus on using your legs to push yourself up rather than just pulling with your arms.

General tips for starting any new sport

1. Everyone was a beginner once. That person who looks like a pro? They started exactly where you are. No one is judging you as harshly as you're judging yourself.

2. Find beginner-friendly groups. Through SportBesties, you can specifically look for other beginners or groups that welcome all levels. Starting with people at your level removes the intimidation factor.

3. Give it three tries. Your first attempt at anything new feels awkward. Try it at least three times before deciding it's not for you. Often, the second or third try is when things start clicking.

4. Focus on fun, not performance. You're not training for the olympics. You're trying something new, getting exercise, and meeting people. If you're having fun, you're doing it right.

5. Invest in proper basics. You don't need expensive equipment, but having appropriate shoes, comfortable clothes, and necessary safety gear makes a huge difference in your experience.

6. Be patient with yourself. Learning curves are real. Celebrate small victories and progress, even if it feels slow.

The best time to start? Now.

The truth is, there's no perfect time to start something new. You'll never feel "ready enough" or "fit enough." the best approach is to just start, embrace the awkwardness of being a beginner, and enjoy the journey of improving.

With SportBesties, you can find other beginners in zurich who are on the same journey. Maybe you'll discover your new favorite sport, or maybe you'll try five things before finding the one that sticks. Either way, you're moving, meeting people, and expanding what you thought was possible.

Ready to try something new? Join SportBesties and find your beginner-friendly sports community in Zurich.