We are probably as a society taking less exercise than ever. Many jobs can be done remotely, and two of our favourite pastimes in society today include watching TV and gaming. Also, social media means we are often at the end of a computer or smartphone chatting with our friends, rather than going out and socialising with them in person.
Playing sports, therefore, is a great way of mixing with others and getting much-needed exercise, but there are also other benefits of playing a sport that you may not realise. In this post, I will look at the health benefits, both physical, mental and social of playing sports.
Physical benefits
Loss of weight
Taking regular exercise means that you will expend calories and if you expend more than take in, you will lose weight. The British Dietary Association recommend eating 500 calories less a day which should give you a weight loss of a 0.5kg to 1kg a week if you are looking to lose weight safely.
Toned body
Taking regular exercise should help to tone your body. Depending on the sport you take this may mean your legs will get more defined and muscular, for example, if you are playing rugby or jogging or your arms if you are playing tennis.
Improved fitness
Exercise can help improve your cardiovascular fitness, your muscle strength, speed, endurance, agility and flexibility. Improved cardiovascular fitness can help lower your blood pressure too.
Mental benefits
Improved concentration
Regular physical activity helps keep your brain sharp, improving critical thinking, learning and good judgement. Research by the British Medical Journal has shown that a mix of muscle strengthing activity and aerobic activity is especially helpful in helping to improve concentration and thinking.
Relief of tension and feeling of well being
Exercise reduces the level of stress hormones in the body and stimulates the production of endorphins. These are natural mood enhancers which give you that feeling of well-being.
Improved confidence and self-esteem
Counselling for lack of confidence, anxiety and depression from a site like BetterHelp can really make a difference. However first try exercising to improve your confidence, body image and self-esteem. Research by the University of British Columbia found that a single bout of physical exercise can make us feel stronger, thinner, and happier overall with our bodies.
Social benefits
Co-operation and team building
There are many social benefits of team sports in particular. Football tournaments, for example, bring people together, builds relationships with others and help participants learn about fair play and rules. It also promotes hope for a community and embodies a sense of pride.
Making friends
Joining a sports team or a sports club is a great way to make connections with new people. You all have a common interest, an activity that will bond you together and is easy to talk about after the event.
Learning about competition and rules
Sport is great for children and young people as it can help them learn to respect authority, take direction, accept decisions and generally learn to live by rules.
As you can see there are many benefits to playing a sport. The secret is to find a sport you enjoy and go for it! Tell me, are there any sports you enjoy watching or playing?
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I’ve heard how great sport is for the mind, I suffer with depression and have been told on numerous accounts to take up the sport, helping both physically and mentally by keeping you active.
ReplyDeleteI played tennis a lot when I was younger and have been meaning to get back into it. I definitely think I should after reading all of these benefits!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with these points, whenever I exercise I find much peace and able to concentrate better after plus bonus if I lose weight or get to spend time with friends
ReplyDeleteI really need to get into playing a sport or doing some sort of exercise. Mostly for the physical benefits but also for the mental ones too!
ReplyDeleteI used to play a lot of team sports but over time, it gets harder and harder to do so. I'd love to get back into it, rather than just running or the gym, as it is much more enjoyable with other people
ReplyDeleteO wow.... I didnt think of all these benefits regarding sports. It is very helpful to connect all. Great points
ReplyDeleteI used to love doing sport at school but find the opportunities are less as you get older
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