If you want to socialize and meet people, its a good idea to get involved in shared athletic activity:
* martial arts (MMA, BJJ, even krav maga)
* crossfit [1]
* cycling (mountain biking, road cycling)
* volleyball or surfing if you're by a beach
* even a pick up basketball game
In my opinion, doing something athletic as a group should be a mandate for everyone. There are too many benefits, physically and spiritually.
If you are hesitant or if you find yourself having a negative reaction to what I am saying, I would encourage you to contemplate why you may be thinking that.
If you are worried you are not athletic enough and feel emberrased, do not think that for a moment. I was the same - I am horribly uncoordinated and I still do stuff.
[1] Some crossfit folks call it "church," which should be telling
I'm pushing 40 and haven't had any luck with making new friends on BJJ, Crossfit or Muay Thai (currently) classes. On Crossfit the folks are a bit young and only talk about Crossfit. Muay Thay gym also feel like a bunch of disconnected people. BJJ seemed to be more around like an "homogeneous" group (older, many with kids) but I didn't stay long enough and didn't went to the soccer - aha! In Brazil you have to play soccer because thats where people can develop more personal relationships (some yelling would be awesome).
I feel like cyclists, running groups could also work for my age group, but I don't feel very inclined to those sports. I can't find a soccer group to play and I suck at it. Most people that play weekly are work colleagues or school/uni colleagues..
I second your notion that being athletic is not a requirement: the actually fit I’ve met are all extremely calm, accepting and disciplined. In the right gym/club/group, it’s an extremely rewarding experience for any body type and fitness goal. Be aware that distance based cardio groups (running, biking) will often require fitness that is above average but there are exceptions (look up a parkrun near you).
> the actually fit I’ve met are all extremely calm, accepting and disciplined.
This is the case with martial arts, especially bjj. You'll come in like a soft doughey baby, and you will get smushed for a long time, but its rewarding for a veteran practitioner to see another person struggle and do well. They want to "lift" that person up an help them, as long as the newbie is trying hard.
I want to add that in cities, social cycling is a real thing too, and a fantastic way to meet people and have fun. Many US cities have some combination of Critical Mass, bike party, queer bike rides, weekly evening social rides.
* martial arts (MMA, BJJ, even krav maga)
* crossfit [1]
* cycling (mountain biking, road cycling)
* volleyball or surfing if you're by a beach
* even a pick up basketball game
In my opinion, doing something athletic as a group should be a mandate for everyone. There are too many benefits, physically and spiritually.
If you are hesitant or if you find yourself having a negative reaction to what I am saying, I would encourage you to contemplate why you may be thinking that.
If you are worried you are not athletic enough and feel emberrased, do not think that for a moment. I was the same - I am horribly uncoordinated and I still do stuff.
[1] Some crossfit folks call it "church," which should be telling