Playing sports is a popular exercise for countless people globally. It is one activity that is refreshing to the body and mind. It enables the body to function more efficiently, Here, we will touch on the many benefits of playing sports. Let`s go!
Health Benefits of Playing Sports
Healthy Heart
Playing sports eases with stretching ability. The heart benefits the most from playing sports and this activity leaves you with fewer chances of malfunctioning of your heart. Playing sports helps the heart in pumping more blood as it is a type of workout for the body.
Muscle Toning
Sports are truly the best form of work out for muscles. Toned muscles are always sought-after, and that’s the result of playing sports. The endurance of the muscles also expands with time and this helps you in gaining a stronger body. Both inner and outer muscles get toned up when one plays any sport, and of course, depending on the kind of sport, the rates at which the muscles get toned up, and the parts vary. For instance, running involves working out both the inner and outer thigh muscles.
Stronger Bones
Playing sports is beneficial in strengthening the bones in your body. Bones get their strength from bone density, and aging decreases bone density, resulting in osteoporosis. Engaging in sports is one of the best ways to maintain bone density and strength.
Refreshes the Mind
Playing sports is a great way to relax. It has a lasting impression on the mind, as it gives it a feel of a different activity, different from one`s routine. This helps battle depression and some other psychological issues, hence giving you a refreshed mind.
Boosts Self-Esteem
Do you remember the first goal you scored when learning to play football? How did you feel? Or perhaps the feeling when you win a round of table tennis. You have a hike in self-esteem. That`s the feeling! Playing any particular sport helps in building self-esteem, and this positively affects your behavioral outlook. What else? It brings about the release of endorphins, and this is great for your health.
Diabetes Control
Playing sports helps the insulin perform in a better manner. This helps diabetics make most of the insulin present in their body. Also, physical activity helps in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. [2] It can also help in weight management since it burns excess calories.
Weight Management
Obesity is one challenge encountered by millions of people around the world. However, there are sports which can help solve this problem, among other measures. Fat gets burnt and calories are shed through the rigorous physical activities involved in sports. People who regularly play sports are naturally fitter with
reduced weight.
Lowers Hypertension
Hypertension may result in a stroke or heart disease. It can simply be prevented by being physically active playing sports.
Balances Cholesterol Levels
Playing sports helps in maintaining lower cholesterol levels. Some experiments showed that compared to athletes, LDL or bad cholesterol levels in sedentary people were much higher, while HDL or good cholesterol levels were significantly higher in athletes. This is because they are more active.
Improved Blood Circulation
Your blood circulates better when you play sports. The body remains well oxygenated as a result of being active. The blood flow increases in the muscle when one stretches and this increases the elasticity of muscles, which prevents muscle injuries. This, of course, keeps you healthy. Asides blood circulation, being physically active can also increase the hemoglobin count and the volume of blood.
Stronger Immunity
Regularly exercise as done in sports makes the body immune to diseases that affect people with poor immunity. When a person exercises, there is an increased rate in the circulation of white blood cells.
Some Really Healthy Sports
Swimming
It`s an utterly remarkable sport for your heart because it is a low-stress activity. What does it do? It keeps you at a healthy body weight, improves lung capacity, and thebuilds muscles,
Basketball
Basketball strengthens the health in many ways. it increases spatial awareness, fosters decision-making capabilities, helps immensely with coordination, and develops confidence, it also reduces stress,
Running
It`s one sport that reduces your likelihood of developing bone and muscle loss. It brings about a release of endorphins which keep you active as you run and benefit your overall health.
Volleyball
This sport increases metabolic rate, builds agility, strengthens coordination, and boosts mood. It also burns excess calories.
Gymnastics
This sport requires flexibility and strength, hence those who play it possess these with time. What`s more? Because participation in gymnastics involves concentration and mental focus, people who play it are developed intellectually.
Safety Tips
As healthy as playing sports can be, you need to be careful and take note of these.
Stay Hydrated
It is highly important to prevent dehydration from affecting your health and the quality of your performance. It is advisable to always carry a sufficient amount of water when going to play sports. never get dehydrated. Drink water throughout the session in small quantities.
Acclimation
Acclimation is a factor to be considered while playing in hot and humid conditions. It is possible to develop heat-related illnesses, hence the body strives to bring down its temperature. Under such conditions, one must fill their body system with water to bring about some stability
Rainy or Stormy Days
Playing sports, especially those that require rigorous physical activities on a rainy or stormy day is not advisable due to slippery grounds which can cause injuries.
Concussions
Injuries, no matter how minor, should be given proper attention. Whenever the head makes a hard contact with a surface, it should not be ignored, even if the pain experienced is minor.
Rest
Rest helps the mind and body. Playing a sport continuously without resting may defeat the benefits that sport has to one`s health.
Play under Expert Supervision
It is very necessary to be careful when engaging in physical activities like sports. Playing them by performing the wrong techniques can have harmful effects on your health. Try playing sports under the supervision of experienced players in the beginning and take their advice on how to play the game without getting hurt. This is life-saving.
Age
Inasmuch as people of any age can play sports, it is advised that people who are elderly and are no longer used to involving in such rigorous activities may need to play indoor games. Older people should begin with less rigorous sports because of their capacity, as the body tends to lose its muscle capacity with age. Consulting a doctor regularly also helps in being updated about one’s body and helps check any antagonistic effects of physical activities.
Body Weight
It is advised that obese people indulge in sports in a controlled manner. This is because they are more susceptible to sports injuries. Injuries can lead to soft tissue damage, infections, and severe problems that can have long-term effects.
Final Words…
Not only do you know the importance of engaging in sports, you now know specific advantages of certain sports. You have even gone further to learn sports that are super healthy. You must be convinced now that sports are not just for financial benefits and fun; they do your health some greatness. So what sport are you engaging in next?
