A distinguished physician once described exercise as "emotional aerobics". This is because sports energize, relieve tension, clear the mind, sharpen our mental capacities, and strengthen our bodies' stress-coping mechanisms. Equally-essential to stress reduction is amusement, which produces joy, promotes creativity, and has been proven to combat illness. As one clinical psychologist put it, "It's not important what you play- just that you play". Therefore, don't hesitate to carve out a little piece of your time for sports and obtain your daily dose of amusement. Here are some ideas for sports enthusiasts and amusement-seekers:
1. The Circus
This event offers affordable family entertainment with its spectacular shows featuring acrobats, jugglers, unicyclists, clowns, trapeze performers, hula-hoopers, trained animals, stunt artists, unicyclists and tightrope walkers. Spectators can expect to see trapeze artists performing stunts such as equilibristics (fusion of gymnastics and juggling) on a high wire, gymnasts walking on a tightrope, elephants stomping and hopping, clowns and other sideshow actors. Among the common floor activities presented to the public are fire-eating, knife throwing, human cannonball, sword-swallowing and magic shows. Tickets, which range from $10 to $100 depending on whether the seat is in the grandstand or in a V.I.P. box, may be purchased online or by phone. A circus usually offers discounts for babies and children as well as for other segments of the population and different categories, such as groups. E-specials and online special discount vouchers are also available. Consumers may make reservations for circus performances in the morning, afternoon or evening.
2. Festivals
Organized by a local community and offering music, food, and entertainment, festivals usually celebrate a certain communal aspect. Contemporary festivals highlight ethnic or cultural issues aimed at educating members of their traditions. Numerous festivals are held throughout the country, and they include the following:
- Arts festivals
- Film festivals (i.e. documentary film festivals, independent film festivals)
- Music festivals (blues festivals, rock festivals, jazz festivals, reggae festivals)
- Literary festivals
- Beer festivals (i.e. Oktoberfest)
- Renaissance festivals (which often present Shakespearean plays)
- Comedy festivals
- Food festivals (i.e. vegetarian food festivals, garlic festivals, Cornfest, Potato festivals)Independence Day festivals (featuring a fireworks spectacular to cap July 4th festivities)Fireworks festivals
3. Gambling
In the United States, revenues generated by gambling, which totaled more than $84.65 billion in 2005, continue to climb each year. Perhaps the most popular and widely-recognized gambling destination is Vegas. Participants may choose from a variety of gambling activities such as
- Card games (i.e. draw poker, stud poker, and community card poker such as Texas hold 'em);
- Bingo and charitable games;
- Indian casino gambling;
- Sports betting or legal bookmaking;
- Commercial casino gambling;
- Pari-mutuel wagering; and
- Lotteries
Many casinos offer live shows such as sporting events and concerts. Most jurisdictions restrict gambling to individuals who are older than the licensing age, which is 18 or 21 years old in the majority of the states. Patrons may partake in a host of games ranging from slot machines, baccarat, roulette, and craps to poker and blackjack. A host of different complimentary items known as comps are offered to gambling customers. These include, in increasing levels, (1) free alcohol, (2) gratuitous meals, (3) airline reimbursement, (4) paid or discounted hotel accommodations, (5) limousine rides, (6) golf, (7) tickets to shows, (8) free concierge services, (9) private gaming rooms, and (10) private jet service, the last five comps generally reserved for high rollers.
Legal bookmaking involves wagering on the final score of a sporting event, such as soccer, hockey, and basketball. Although sports betting is only authorized in Nevada casinos, online forums have become a popular venue to bet and exchange ideas with other bettors concerning profitable gambles and predictions about game results. Consumers may also gamble by purchasing lotto tickets and receive prizes in the form of goods or cash. Convenience stores and other shops offer an array of lottery tickets, ranging form scratch cards or instant lotto tickets, Mega Millions, and Powerball. The internet offers many free lotto-style games and weekly drawings.
Another form of gambling is pari-mutuel betting, whereby bets of a specific kind are pooled together. This popular type of gambling, which often takes place at off-track facilities in which patrons are not physically present at the events, focuses on such sporting events as greyhound racing, horse racing, and jai alai. States regulate pari-mutuel betting, which exists in numerous areas where gambling is otherwise prohibited.
4. Campgrounds
Lovers of the great outdoors who need a break from life in the fast lane can park their RV or vehicle at campgrounds and enjoy nights under the stars and open-air recreational activities. Campgrounds, which are usually situated in state parks, are typically equipped with barbecue grills, fire rings, and restrooms and utilities. Campers may engage in such activities as horseback riding, hiking, boating, swimming, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, camping, and fishing.
5. Beaches and water sports
For children and adults who enjoy beaches and water sports, the choices are endless. They may participate in such activities as:
- Water polo
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Synchronized swimming (which combines elements of gymnastics, ballet, and swimming)
- Diving (scuba)
- Snorkeling
- Boating
- Canoe polo
- Body boarding
- Underwater hockey
- Fishing
- Rowing
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Wakeboarding
- Rowing
- Windsurfing
- Water skiing
Other non-aquatic leisure and athletic activities available to the public include:
- amusement parks, fairs and carnivals
- bowling alleys and billiards
- ice skating and skiing for winter sports aficionados, and
- tennis, golf or martial arts classes (private, clinics or group).