Ok, so I did the post about how boxing is better than 11 other sports and hobbies, and I promised to work it the the other way around, too, and several of you rose to the challenge and contributed the material. So I hereby present to you seven (and one honorable mention) sports and hobbies that are better than boxing.
1. Fencing
It’s like boxing, only with deadly weapons. Thanks go to @theofficetroll / Mark Scrudder, who also says masks are for wusses. Mark, you are so on the money here. It’s hard to beat fighting with swords. Unless it’s fighting with sticks!! On ice!! See below.
2. Hockey
I know, I know, this was on the “not as good as boxing” list, but I’m putting it over because I can. Thanks to @sonofalink / David LeBlond) for the nomination, and to @clarkey96 / Patrick Clarke) for reminding me just how frickin cool that Stanley Cup was when our Canes hefted it over the ice recently. I’m also thinking you could get a LOT of beer in that cup. (Does it have little spigots near the bottom? It should.)
3. Fishing
Just kidding.
4. Roller Derby
There should be fishnets in boxing. I say it all the time: if I weren’t a boxer, I’d go out for the Carolina Rollergirls. Those girls kick ass and look mad cool doing it.
5. Music
In the creative angle category, @Renewabelle / Jessica Commins contributed this to the list with a dead-on-target Bob Marley quote: “One good thing about music… when it hits, you feel no pain.” That’s what I’m talkin’ about, Jess.
6. Co-ed Naked Twister
Had to put this in there, because @theofficetroll (see #1, fencing, above) cracked me up when he suggested it. I had no idea there would be so many pictures of this on Flickr. Wow.
For the record, Mark also suggested bicycling (because you actually get somewhere), swimming (because you can’t hear Sly Stallone talking smack if you’re underwater), and board games (which result in far fewer bloody noses), and knitting (easier on the joints). I’m giving him fencing and Twister.
7. Golf
Well, it’s FAR less stinky than boxing, of that there is no doubt.
But Ann Clark got downright poetic on Facebook with her love for the sport: “You get an all body workout especially if you walk the course, swing a lot (lol), play 18 holes, walk the hills, track through the rough/sand traps, and you are out in the fresh air. You also learn mental discipline, patience, and a calmness/peacefulness being out with nature…It is also good for a few laughs (usually at yourself) which lifts the heart and spirit.”
8. Sidesaddle
Mel Hansen-Holloway, dedicated horse enthusiast, contributed this via on Facebook. She said, “[Riding sidesaddle is] lots of fun…and is kinder to hips, knees and the body in general…” And I would add that even horse poop smells better than boxing gloves.
For the record, Jim Yadon tried to convince me that disc golf belonged on this list; he said he’s lost 50 pounds playing it. Dang, that’s impressive. Jim, I hereby give you an honorable mention. Keep sailing them out there.
Got more? Put ’em in the comments! And thanks for joining in the fun with me.