It can be said that everyone has had some kind of involvement in sports in their lives. Schools, for instance, ensure that pupils take part in sports and regular physical activities as part of their curriculum.
As adults however, it becomes a choice we make, as to participate in sports or not. One thing’s for sure, and that is that sports have innumerable physical health benefits to our health. Read on..
Not interested in getting fat? Get interested in sports!
Have you ever noticed how people who are active in sports have such lean, healthy bodies? Even if you’re currently overweight, sports can help promote long-term weight loss and help avoid future weight gain.
Being constantly active increases your metabolic rate and can help increase lean body mass while burning calories and getting rid of excess fat. There are factors that have to be taken into account though, such as body type, calorie intake and the amount of physical activity a person needs to be healthy and lean, but make no mistake that sports can help a person maintain a healthy weight.
Did you know that sports benefit the human body in many ways? Here are some examples of what sports can do:
- Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness
- Provide better bone health
- Improve your coronary health
- Increase your life expectancy
- Helps to keep you at your ideal weight
- Leave a positive effect on your mental health
- Reduce depression
- Improve your cognitive abilities
- Prevent various types of cancer
Life-Long Cardiorespiratory Health
Sports can help people of all ages maintain and improve the health of their heart, lungs and blood vessels. Physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of coronary disease and stroke. According to the British Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, approximately 40 percent of deaths related to coronary heart disease are related to inadequate physical activity, obesity, stress and raised blood pressure. Sports can help with all of these physical issues and cut the risk of coronary disease down to half. Note: if you’re new to sports, do consult with your doctor first on the type of sports that is suitable for your age, and also the intensity of the activity as well.
Stronger muscles and bones
When we were kids, most of us took bone and muscle strength for granted. In any case, back then, most of us had plenty of activity through school Physical Education (PE) classes and playing in playgrounds, etc. Today though, there is a big possibility that kids aren’t getting the amount of exercise they need. While that is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed, physical activity becomes increasingly important for us adults too, particularly for the health of our bones, muscles and joints.
Decreases the chances of cancer
It’s alarming to see cases of cancer rising around the globe as people become more and more sedentary in their lifestyles. More than ever before in history, our bodies could surely do with enjoyable, interactive activities that will keep us mentally and physically healthy – and cancer free. Sports can play a big part in decreasing the risk of many types of cancer, including breast, endometrial, colon and lung cancer.
Pyschological health
It may seem like a vanity thing, but sports can work wonders to promote self-esteem in the form of positive perception of body image and self-worth. Participating in sports with others also places you in positive social environments to promote psychological health. Certain sports can also be a form of mental therapy for people with psychological disorders and depression. Keeping active through activity can also decrease the risk of cognitive decline that comes with aging and can reduce anxiety in adolescents.
Word of caution
Most moderate-intensity sports such as jogging, swimming, cycling, etc, carry very little risk on injuries. However, the risk of musculoskeletal injury increases with more high-intensity activities. If you are not a typically active person, you should start sports on a slower pace and intensity, till you get used to it and your body has a chance to get accustomed to it. People who are normally inactive should start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of their chosen sporting activity, or even exercise for that matter.
