My workout: Chris Scorah, 48, squash player – ‘I lost a stone in three months’

The psychological effect has been even more profound. It invigorates me. I feel brighter, sleep better and enjoy work more

My workout: Wings Chan, 24 – ‘For skateboarders, towns become massive playgrounds’

It can be dangerous – I’ve fractured an elbow, my ankle and both wrists (twice). I used to skate with my cast on

My workout: ‘Fencing is a cat-and-mouse game’

Elaine Gale, 47, on the stamina and focus needed for her sport

My workout: ‘American football changed my life’

Kalaba Chibwe, 26, on the pain and pleasures of American football

My workout: ‘Curling is like chess on ice’

Helen Hally, 63, says the sport is a constant challenge, and you’re always thinking two or three moves ahead

My workout: ‘Mixed martial arts is a lot like chess’

Richard Newman, 50, on what it takes to be a mixed martial arts fighter

My workout: Milly Taylor, 23, rugby union player – ‘I love the sense of belonging’

You need to be comfortable with being physical. In a year I’ve broken both thumbs and both little fingers

Women’s sport, space probes and protests – reasons to look forward to 2017

The turbulence of this year might seem set to continue well into the next, but there are good things to come too. From mass protests to comfort telly, there’s something for everyone – and lie-ins are positively encouraged

My workout: ‘Towards the end of a race, your legs are on fire’

Jim Brown, 16, on the thrills and spills of being a track cyclist

My workout: ‘I worried I’d get big if I did powerlifting, but I’ve dropped a dress size’

Nicolle Smith, 49, powerlifter