How Does Sports Benefit Your Health?
Physical Health
Taking part in team and individual sports is a great way to get in shape and help prevent serious illnesses. According to a report from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace, sports provide an opportunity for young people to develop their bones, heart and lung function, and improve motor skills and coordination. For adults, regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health and mobility. The accelerated pulse caused by vigorous sports activity can increase muscle strength, especially in the heart, which reduces the risk of heart and vascular disease. Sports also allow you to maintain a healthy weight, which can help control the onset of diabetes. Sports also increase your general body strength and overall health, making you less susceptible to colds and injuries to over-extension.
Mental Health
Sports do not just affect your physical health, but have a positive effect on your mental health as well. The exercise you get from playing sports releases endorphins, or neurotransmitters in the brain that reduce pain and can induce a feeling of euphoria. This sensation, also known as a “runner’s high,” can help battle the symptoms of depression by providing the body with a natural, physical feeling of happiness.
Considerations
The level of physical activity you take part in is dependent on many factors. If you have certain health conditions or physical limitations, you may find that one sport suits you better than another. For example, many people who suffer from asthma find that running and field sports are difficult due to a combination of the physical demands and environment, but find that the respiratory demands of swimming actually improve their lung strength. On average, most doctors recommend that adults take part in 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. If you are on a sports team, your regular practices and competitions are probably equal to or greater than this recommendation.
Taking part in team and individual sports is a great way to get in shape and help prevent serious illnesses. According to a report from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace, sports provide an opportunity for young people to develop their bones, heart and lung function, and improve motor skills and coordination. For adults, regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health and mobility. The accelerated pulse caused by vigorous sports activity can increase muscle strength, especially in the heart, which reduces the risk of heart and vascular disease. Sports also allow you to maintain a healthy weight, which can help control the onset of diabetes. Sports also increase your general body strength and overall health, making you less susceptible to colds and injuries to over-extension.
Mental Health
Sports do not just affect your physical health, but have a positive effect on your mental health as well. The exercise you get from playing sports releases endorphins, or neurotransmitters in the brain that reduce pain and can induce a feeling of euphoria. This sensation, also known as a “runner’s high,” can help battle the symptoms of depression by providing the body with a natural, physical feeling of happiness.
Considerations
The level of physical activity you take part in is dependent on many factors. If you have certain health conditions or physical limitations, you may find that one sport suits you better than another. For example, many people who suffer from asthma find that running and field sports are difficult due to a combination of the physical demands and environment, but find that the respiratory demands of swimming actually improve their lung strength. On average, most doctors recommend that adults take part in 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. If you are on a sports team, your regular practices and competitions are probably equal to or greater than this recommendation.
Comments
Post a Comment