Extreme Ironing, contrary to popular belief, is a legitimate sporting event! Plenty of people scratch their heads and ask what on earth is meant by the term “extreme ironing.”
According to various sources, the practice has been occurring since the early 1990s. Regardless of its origins, Extreme Ironing has become a legitimate sport with its governing body, the Extreme Ironing Bureau, nicknamed the “Team Steam.”
What Is Extreme Ironing?
Extreme Ironing is a bit like sky diving, but you’re pressing your shirts instead of jumping out of a plane and free falling from great heights. It’s an adrenaline sport where people play, dress up, wear hard hats, and iron their clothes in a unique environment.
Extreme Ironing is practiced in over 100 countries, with clubs and competitions occurring worldwide. It’s becoming increasingly popular yearly due to its rise on social media.
Is Extreme Ironing a Sport?
You might wonder, “What the heck is ‘extreme ironing’?” You may find it surprising to learn that it’s an enjoyable sport.
Extreme Ironing is a new sport that’s just sweeping the nation. The adrenaline sport is perfect for everyone who wants to like a new sport different from anything else. With Extreme Ironing, you can do something out of the ordinary, be physically active and have fun simultaneously! Extreme Ironing is all about adventure, speed, and agility.
The Origin of Extreme Ironing
The sport was created in England by Tony Hiam, influenced by his bizarre brother-in-law John Slater, an avid ironer who would iron his clothes even when vacationing or hiking.
Hiam was so dedicated to what he thought was a farce that he kept an iron and ironing board in the trunk of his car in case he happened to drive past any ideal rural spots for a spot of ironing in the outdoors.
Today, Europe, Germany, and Switzerland are big fans of extreme Ironing. You’ll find severe extreme ironing athletes in the UK, Europe, and the US. They compete in events all across Europe and have even started training regimens and support groups.
What Are the Rules of Extreme Ironing?
Extreme Ironing is the ultimate in the pursuit of pointless pastimes. It’s mad, but it’s a lot of fun. The Rules are more about what you do and don’t do when you are on a course than anything else.
The basic idea is to take your iron and ironing board to the most remote, inaccessible, or just plain wacky place you can find and iron your clothes!
Malleable or plastic irons are not permitted, and only irons manufactured of iron are to be used. However, the ironing board used by contestants must be at least one meter in length and thirty centimeters in width. The ironed items must also be more extensive than a dish towel.
If you’ve ever wondered if those cordless irons seen in extreme ironing competitions are any good, the answer is yes.
What Is Categorized as an Extreme Sport?
Extreme sports are all the rage these days, and it’s one of the fastest growing segments in the sports world. But if you’re still unsure what defines a sport as “extreme,” we’re here to help!
An extreme sport is any physical activity where safety precautions can’t offset the risk factor. Anything on a high-risk end of the spectrum falls under this category — from skydiving to BASE jumping or even surfing big waves.
Extreme sports are risky and exciting because of the adrenaline rush from facing danger. There’s a mix of fear and control, and the best extreme sports athletes must put themselves in situations where they have to be on their toes at all times.
In conclusion, the point of Extreme Ironing is to have fun and experience some adrenaline. It incorporates the drudgery of ironing with the benefits of mental fortitude, physical conditioning, and a good sense of humor. They say that laughter and fun is the best remedy, which seems accurate. As a matter of fact, the very idea itself is ridiculous.
So, whether you actually do excessive Ironing and find it enjoyable, or you just read this blog and found it humorous, you can rest assured that it benefits your health.