How to get started with athletics?

Read now:

• What is athletics really?
• Getting started with athletics
• The different disciplines of athletics
• What age to start with athletics?
• What do you need to buy before you start with athletics?

Are you thinking about starting athletics? Great! Athletics is a sport for everyone. Whether you want to run, jump or throw, there's definitely something you'll enjoy. But before you start, it's good to know what athletics actually involves. It's a sport that many people do and you can later specialize in the disciplines you find most enjoyable. In this blog we'll explain how you can start with athletics, what equipment you need and what the different disciplines are.

What is athletics really?

Before you start with athletics, you might be curious where it actually comes from. Athletics comes from the Greek word "athlos," which means "contest" and was embraced as an institution in Great Britain in 1840. Not much later the United States followed and in France they really started with it in 1886. Young people quickly developed a taste for competitions and in 1896 the first modern Olympic Games took place.

Running, jumping and throwing: those are the three main pillars of athletics. And who has never dreamed of trying all of that at once? In a stadium you can! What do you need? Good equipment, the right materials and a bit of training of course.

Getting started with athletics

The first step to start with athletics is to sign up with a local athletics club. Here you can get started with basic training to master your technique and build up your fitness. The great thing about athletics is that it offers so many different disciplines, from running and jumping to throwing. So try out a few to discover what appeals to you most. Listen carefully to your coach, because they help you improve your performance and prevent injuries. Also set realistic goals; this way it stays fun and you see yourself getting a little better all the time.

The different disciplines of athletics

Athletics is a collective name for different disciplines. If you want to start with athletics, it's important to master all disciplines well. First you need to work on your fitness, since running and marathon running are naturally important parts of the sport. But besides that, there are also other disciplines you need to master, such as:

• Hurdling

• Discus throwing

• High jump

• Hammer throw

• Javelin throwing

• Long jump

And this is just a small part of what athletics has to offer. If you're planning to start with athletics, be prepared: it can be quite challenging with all these different disciplines.

What age to start with athletics?

Athletics is a sport for almost everyone. There's no fixed age to start. Many children generally begin at a young age and develop their skills over the years. Some eventually trade the stadium for their studies, but athletics remains accessible for all ages. From junior B to seniors and even masters, everyone can keep developing, depending on where your talents lie. Here's an overview of the age categories:

• Mini pupils: up to 7 years

• Pupils C: 8 years

• Pupils B: 9 years

• Pupils A: 10-11 years

• Juniors D: 12-13 years

• Juniors C: 14-15 years

• Juniors B: 15-16 years

• Juniors A: 17-18 years

• Seniors: from 19 years

• Masters: from 35 years

With a bit of enthusiasm and enough motivation, you can certainly give it a try too! And who hasn't sat cheering in front of the television when Dafne Schippers or Churandy Martina won prizes? The idea is probably starting to grow... In September you can try out the sport at various clubs in the Netherlands and perhaps face a promising athletics future!

What should you buy before you start with athletics?

If you're going to start with athletics, it's important to have the right equipment so you can start well. First of all, good clothing is necessary: choose sportswear that fits nicely and allows you to move freely. In winter it's nice to wear long clothing, while in summer you're better off choosing shorter clothing.

Good shoes are a must, you don't want to have trouble with your feet. Spikes are handy for advanced athletes, but for now good running shoes and a pair for cross-country running will do fine too. Don't forget your water bottle either, so you can always drink enough. Your outfit will naturally get better as you train more, so it's not necessary to buy everything right away.

Below we've made a checklist so you don't forget anything:
✓ Long sportswear
✓ Short sportswear
✓ Good running shoes (spikes for advanced athletes)
✓ Water bottle

Ready to start with athletics?

Athletics is a fantastic sport for anyone who wants to move, improve and challenge themselves. Whether you're just starting out or already have some experience, you can always continue to grow. Want to know more about how to get started in the best way, find the right equipment or which clubs are near you? At Findmino we help you further! On our website you'll find everything you need to start with athletics.