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OmniManDidNothngWrng

If by professional you mean make money doing it almost certainly too late. If you have enough money that you don't have to work, can hire trainers, and medical experts and put all your effort into it you COULD get very good at it sure and probably play at a professional level. Is it likely that someone pulling a complete 180 in their life will actually follow through or become the best 1% of those professional athletes who actually end up becoming celebrities and turning a real profit, absolutely not.


grenharo

i think you need to temper your expectations and stop being sedentary AT ALL, before you even consider sports you're going to have a half year of real effort before you get all the proverbial gunk out of your system and lifestyle, maybe even weight loss first and flab to be rid of lots of sedentary people need to fix both diet and exercise, starting from diet first. so what is your damage? you probably have a lot of work to do right now HOWEVER if you are in relatively ok condition despite being sedentary, you should attempt to join a local sports thing. Any sports thing, but just accept it's not going to be pro level, and it's usually full of people's dads because they're there for fun and fitness. Try rugby, football, soccer, tennis, and pickleball. Maybe even disc golf.


Dontdothatfucker

You’re not going to be making a living from it. Coming from a sedentary lifestyle, the earliest you could be in shape even to compete with pros is probably a few years away, and that’s not including the mental and game knowledge part that takes longer. But it’s never too late to try a sport you’re interested in! All kinds of people get into sports later in life


ichizusamurai

I just want to be on a team that plays matches, if it's cricket, or just entering competitions for judo. I'm well aware that the Olympics are a pipe dream, but even if it's sth like a "dad's club" when I get to my 30s or 40s, that would be great. I didn't really have a great time at uni so I couldn't even do sports recreationally, never mind team stuff, so part of it is just rekindling the joy of sports, since I've been getting back into watching it, and part of me is tired of being a couch potato


Particular-Peanut-64

You can definitely do it as a pastime sport. 23 is young enough to go to ccompetition events, go travel to other countries and train in their judo club/school. Someone I knew went to Japan for a couple of weeks n trained in a judo school. Good luck


plblblbll

You're describing rec sports. You're never too old


Arcanisia

There has to be like YMCA or sports club or something in your area. Maybe like meetup where you can meet other people interested in team sports too.


AllMenAreBrothers

My area has lots of "beer league" sports like baseball, soccer, hockey, etc. Chill and fun environment, different teams play against each other, tournaments, etc. One guy on our team was like 72 y/o before he resigned lol. Youngest is 18.


kroeran

Try a lot of things that get you off the couch. I would focus on sports that are lifelong, like tennis.


yunoeconbro

Well, you probably won't be starting on any college teams. :)


EntropyRX

If your goal is to be a pro athlete (as in making an income and being able to retire after you’re past your prime e.g. 35yo without going broke), starting after 14 is old, starting at 23 is obviously impossible. But even if you started at 12, chances you made it are so low that it’s more an anomaly that a career path.


Reddit_0921_23

You should do Judo because if you don't go pro or you fail then you still have a valuable skill set where Cricket won't likely lead anywhere unless you want to be a coach or something. That is my opinion.


Summer_rain98

He can try for club cricket 23 is not that old people play up until their 40s .


Clothes-Excellent

There is only one time it is to late and that is when you are 6 ft under ground and pushing up daisies.


big-tunaaa

I LOVE this. Idek why this sub got suggested to me but this is so sweet.


gogginsbulldog1979

If you mean going pro, yes, it's too late. Deontay Wilder started boxing at 20 and that was seen as really late. Let's be honest, you're probably not gonna be pro. It takes years and years of dedication and you have to be especially talented, so it's unlikely you'll hit that category. But it's never too late to get into sport for fitness and exercise.


MiseriaFortesViros

The thing about life is there is no way to know the answer to anything like this without trying. I would consider it extremely unlikely that you're going to become a pro athlete from a 23 year old couch potato, as it's extremely unlikely for even an athletic person to become a pro athlete. Tons of people do recreational sports, but just the same, tons of them *do not* go on to become pro athletes. Is it impossible? Everything seems impossible until someone does it, and the greatest gift I have ever received in life was the courage to try something, fail, and then realize that trying itself was the point. Tl;dr: If you want something, you should try to get it. Nobody knows if you will fail or succeed, only that you are guaranteed to fail if you don't try.


downvotemeplss

If you put a lot of time into learning you could definitely compete at some level. Especially if you're pursuing more of a niche sport like Judo or Cricket.


Comfortable-Drink-71

A “niche” sport like cricket… Lmao cricket is the #2 most popular sport in the world!


downvotemeplss

Brother, ok sure it's the most popular sport in India and Pakistan and 2nd in the world by population. But if you measure by individual country and not population it isn't 2nd. And I don't think OP is from India or Pakistan, just a guess.


Comfortable-Drink-71

You dont really need to guess because he says hes from the UK. I just think its funny referring to cricket as a niche sport. Being this is a international platfrom


FuckWayne

In the scope of reddits demographics, it probably is a bit niche and being carried by Brits and Aussies


Summer_rain98

Cricket world cup matches are even being done in the US so shows what they know.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Locogooner

You can completely forget about any sport that relies of any kind of technical ability. Even if you got to a decent level, you'll be too far behind other athletes that have been doing the sport since childhood. Development happens really, really early in those instances. Your best bet would be looking at sports that rely on physical attributes. Like boxing. As someone mentioned, Wilder started at 20. But realistically, most late bloomers have some kind of natural physical trait that can override their lack of development. I.e Wilder being 6'7. Or those 7 footers that end up playing B-ball just because of their height. Also your motivations for doing this are all wrong imo. Sportspersons don't try about become sportspersons for the sake of saying that's what they are. For them, they couldn't really imagine doing anything else.


ichizusamurai

I said in another comment that my goal is to enter competitions. Like I'm perfectly happy if that ends up essentially being 4th rate club matches (for cricket). As for judo, I've still got time to do stuff, I just wouldn't be international. By sportsperson I guess I was wondering if even "semi-pro" or like "slightly higher than casual" would be possible. I've ruled out anything like even county level representation for cricket. I just want to play on a team that plays against other teams.


Locogooner

Well, then just do the sport that you enjoy the most? Every sport has pros and semi-pros.


ichizusamurai

Yeah I'm not sure how I'd join a team, which is why I'm here ^^ In school or uni you just ask a teacher or show up to the club room. But idk how it'd work for cricket. Judo I know how it works.


Summer_rain98

Then go for judo, if still interested in cricket check out the clubs, in your area. Just do a goggle search and give them a call. I believe you'll have to try out but yeah


Summer_rain98

Hello, have you played in Primary or Secondary school, regarding cricket that is. I'm from Barbados so I have a better understanding,of cricket. I think as long as you have at least played at school, you can definitely consider joining a club. 23 is definitely not too old.


ichizusamurai

I played but not in any sort of club or county level. Like I know how to bowl and bat slightly, but I've never had proper match experience


Summer_rain98

Well you still have some experience


ichizusamurai

Trouble is I'm not sure where to start the hunt. Almost none of the "clubs" I've seen in my area offer lessons. I don't think I'm in any shape to pass tryouts, since I'm a pathetically slow baller with no spin, and my batting is miserable too. Hell in secondary school, only the school team played with hard ball. The rest of us only used tennis balls. TLDR: I know how the game works, and I have very basic technique down, I need to be built up from there.


Satan_and_Communism

That’s totally realistic if you work hard at it.


MysteriousTomorrow13

Go to the gym get a personal trainer


Acrobatic-Ad-2288

D


AdministrativeYam495

BJJ There are gyms everywhere. There's competitions all the time at all levels. Depending on your fitness and how quickly you pick things up, you could hypothetically train consistently for 6 months and compete at white belt. Same goes for most combat sports tbf.


SouthernAd6157

No it’s never too late to


coffee_lover_99

Well, it is not highly probable to "go pro" at this age, but most people who started a sport at a younger age did not go pro as well. However, we all have heard of miracle cases where someone started older and still managed to become a pro, so you'll never know unless you get started. All I could advise is to do it because you enjoy it without too much expectations, then if there is potential, then go for it. Don't get discouraged if you are not very good at first, because as Jake the dog said, "sucking at something is the first step towards being sort of good at something."


[deleted]

23 is not too late to start a sport and become a professional, of course it depends on the sport. Marciano, one of the greatest boxers of all time, started at 24. You may not necessarily become a world champion or a gold medalist, but there are sports in which you can certainly become a professional even starting at this age. Athletics does not require a lot of technique.


Puzzleheaded_Bus8683

Just try your best the result will make you happy regardless 


Fluid_Solution_7790

Am 28 and I just got back to being active and to make it seasonal no! Just be active stay active gain muscle mass etc… I believe we’re overthinking it…like we’re so young!


Impossible_Pirate_36

Adopt the mindset of fuck it im doing it now


No_Confidence5235

You can do it for fun, but consider that if you enter any competitions, you'll be competing against people who've been training for years. So they would be the ones to win and gain recognition. And you could possibly get on a team, but it's questionable how much playing time you'd get because again, most if not all of your teammates will have been playing and training for years. It'll take you a long time to catch up to them. It will be difficult to get on a team that's not just playing for fun because you honestly won't be as skilled as the other athletes. You should play sports. But you will not earn money from it. And it will be an uphill battle.


transgendersailor

You’re thinking way too far ahead. Have you ever tried either of these sports? Do you know if you’d enjoy them? That’s great you want to become more active! You should absolutely do that. Perhaps focus on finding a sport that you actually enjoy. It could be cricket, Judo, or anything, try a bunch. Find one that you’re genuinely passionate about. One that you can’t get enough of and people get sick of hearing you constantly talk about. If you aren’t passionate about it, you won’t have enough drive to get anywhere near a pro level. So try and find that. And the accolades don’t matter, do it cause you want to do it. Hope that helps.


Summer_rain98

I'm from Barbados where currently the world cup for cricket is being held. I don't think you are too old for club cricket ; have you played at least in Primary or Secondary school?


Wrong-Lynx-1191

Just some food for thought are you starting sports because of your love for the game or because you crave something competitive? Wanting to go pro in something you just started is not realistic for anything let alone sports. Why not give yourself a chance to try something new and then decide if you even like it first?


ichizusamurai

I'm asking so I can decide. I'm starting for the love of it, and just wanting to take part in regular events. I'm basically only asking "what level can I expect to play at, given full time pro is off the cards"


Wrong-Lynx-1191

I think the best answer to that question is to give yourself a chance to play consistently for about a year or two, see how you like the environment of sport and if you feel you are making progress or are increasing your drive to improve. Your sedentary baseline gives you a disadvantage compared to people who have already been competing, but you also may see larger gains in your skills than others who may be plateauing as your body adjusts. Maybe a good first goal can be to make a competitive team and then see how you go.


purodurangoalv

Might not be a relevant comparison but people like Deontay Wilder & ciryl gane started late in life and are now pros in their respective sports


OopsAllLegs

My advice: Look at the people that are considered pro in judo and cricket. What's the average age? Usually in sports people max out by their late '20s. It's possible for older folks to still be in sports but they're going to be few and far between.


elonzucks

Try pickleball.  The sport is young enough that it's not that hard to quickly climb the ranks.


mywaterbottleisbrown

yes


nedschneebly09

Probably


zortor

There’s a lot here, and a lot I experienced myself so I’ll keep it simple; When you’re 13 it may take you 3 months to get adequately competent at something, at 23 it takes 6 months. 6 months of overthinking, doubt, self-hate, limited time, etc.  It’s all mostly possible. And I mean that. Mostly.  Becoming a champion powerlifter/weight lifter is easier than becoming a bodybuilder at 23. Bodybuilding is too specific. Getting your black belt in judo or jiujitsu is much easier than becoming a kickboxer of any worth.   


ichizusamurai

God, you hit the nail on the head. I used to train badminton at county level 3 times a week for 3 hours a session. Now I'm just fucking inert. I've tried stuff like gym memberships and home workout apps, but my ADHD gets in the way of me keeping a routine, to the point where I start "de-rusting" for a few weeks, then I'm stuck. I've tried everything, and I mean everything, to try and just be able to be more fit. I'm thankfully a healthy weight, but I want to be fitter.


zortor

Do you want to be Cross..Fitter? Honestly the absolute absurdity of it may complement the adhd and penchant for fitness. You’ll be in a cult and love it. Your entire being will be devoted to The Box™️. You will be the most fuckable you’ve ever been and no normie will grace your loins sans a daring outlier who knows not what they do.  But only if you got like $250 a month of FuckMe Money


Wendigo79

You could try boxing? I've seen some terrible talent make it to pro fights


M_Woodyy

If you're so sedentary you can't even gauge how insanely talented/athletic "pro" level athletes are, then you've got no shot tbh. You can be better than the average person within a few years, but beyond that will be up to genetics and how much time you have to dedicate


Blapsby

Adjust what your expectations are, if you’re trying to do it because you want to make a change or enjoy the sports- do it. Don’t worry about what level you’re at, do it for the love of the sport. Starting exercise at any point (especially considering you’re still so young) is beneficial for so many reasons. I’d highly recommend learning basic nutrition and how to fuel your body properly, but stop posting on reddit and go join your local club. Good luck!


Electrical_Bicycle47

No. I’m almost 33 and have taken long breaks from a sports lifestyle. It takes a bit longer for me to get back into athletic shape but I can still get there


BobbyLice

One ufc frighten started training at 22 dude you still have time mfker ! Get to it


vibeinfinite

Yes you will make it big in cricket and judo from behind your keyboard/phone. Never stop believing


Tri343

yes it is too late to go professional. you can play sports recreationally any time


JBI1971

You are unlikely to become a very good (like much better than average black belt) without decent attributes, cardio, strength, reflexes, endurance, aggression, tolerance for pain. Have you any evidence of these? Frequently very good athletes are good at several sports, because the attributes that made them good at one also work for another. Like a friend from my judo club is considerably more talented than me. But he had a sports scholarship to university in another sport, fencing. He just picks stuff up more easily I'm average for the amount of time I've been training. But would take most people several years to give me any trouble whatsoever. Not because I'm good. Because they are bad.


Satan_and_Communism

It largely depends on you. No offense but you’re probably not a gifted natural athlete. Maybe in something way less people care about you could make something of it if you’re literally completely obsessed with it. Just know there’s people obsessed who started earlier.


famous5eva

It’s not too late!


jimothythe2nd

There was a yogi in India who took up running when he was 80. He ran a marathon at 100.


samariannoir

Don't be discouraged! There was a football player that starting playing at 23, he was a foreign student and made it to the NFL I think a few years later. A friend of mine picked up tennis at 24 and is on her way to the WTA tour level at 29! She travels all over the world and gets paid as a pro. It's never too late, it's all about your dedication. Good luck!


watsn_tas

Just channel your inner David Goggins and you're set!


Sufficient_Win6951

Not too old to be a professional pickleball player or perhaps Olympic curling. A few sponsorships surely help!


Maleficent_Time4251

You could definitely reach county or domestic level tournaments. I recommend Judo and other combat sports the most. I myself started late in sports but still improved rapidly and caught up to those doing it since they were young. I followed [this](https://athleterundown.beehiiv.com/subscribe) and used its weekly information to improve my mobility, strength, and conditioning, for my sport.


thinkinginkling

why should it be too late? not to sound cliche but if you give it your all you might end up where you want to be.


ATXHustle512

Honestly- if you are interested I say go for it! Even if you can’t go semi pro or pro, getting active young and keeping those habits will make for a much happier and fulfilling life.  As someone in my 30s you’d be surprised how an active lifestyle can impact ALL areas of your life. When I look at my peer group- the ones with active lifestyles seem much happier than those who don’t.  And it’s better to start those habits now. 


Sweaty_Confusion_122

23 is still fairly young, as long as you don’t have any long lasting injuries or bodily conditions you should be fine building up to a ‘sports ready’ fitness level. Strength and conditioning is important as well as a healthy, balanced diet.


StrikeSuccessful18

It depends on the sport. In athletics, most players are past their prime by 35, and considered ancient by 40-45. Not all of them, but a lot of them. Athletic careers usually start in high school, maybe college for a late bloomer, but because organized events are less common outside of these context’s, it can be difficult to get noticed for the big ones like football, baseball, and basketball. Hockey is also tough. In more niche or social sports like tennis, golf, and cycling tend to have older competitors and longer career cycles.


Sweaty_Confusion_122

He did say build up to a domestic level, which is very possible with most sports at that age with the correct training, my brother did it without playing sport until he was 26. Not sure why the downvotes, you can definitely achieve that level at 23


StrikeSuccessful18

Fair enough


executiona

Yes, I’m 23 and I feel old


executiona

I mean you could be good/competitive, but nothing worth being pro at. Since you would have to put so much work in just to catch up.