It is common knowledge that playing sports regularly positively affects health. There are many facets to how sports can help an individual maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sports affect the old and the young differently, but the crux of the benefit is “good health”!
Physical activity always brings about mental alertness, increased stamina, boosted immune system, and other health benefits. Picking up a sport and regularly playing not only improves your skill at the sport but also keeps you healthy and fresh.
So, what are the actual benefits of playing sports? Or how do sports affect different aged groups? These are some of the questions you can find answers to in this article.
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Benefits of playing sports
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Weight management
It goes without saying that daily physical activity helps in weight management. Almost all sports require intense physical training, where you burn most of the stored fats in your body. Obesity is a serious health condition that affects people of all age groups across the globe.
Any sporting activity demands a maximum cardio workout where you sweat and move your muscles wholly. A good diet, along with such activity, is key to a healthy lifestyle. Well, are you ready for sports? Hurry up to buy everything you need for this. Lots of sports stuff right here.
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Stable cholesterol levels
Given the high number of fatty foods we consume daily, cholesterol levels are bound to shoot up with time. However, with daily physical activity, you can maintain a stable cholesterol level and decrease the risk of a heart attack in the future.
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Healthy heart
The heart is the body’s engine room, and it is imperative that you keep your heart healthy always! When you play sports, the heart begins to pump rapidly and thus exercise the heart muscles. The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 20-30%!
There is also overall better blood circulation when your heart muscles are healthy. A better heart pumping rate results in increased blood volume and haemoglobin count.
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Advanced muscle training and improved motor skills
Playing sports boosts muscle training and helps in overall psychosocial development. Sports like soccer, basketball, and rugby engage your full body muscles and train them to perform different activities. This is also known as neuromuscular programming.
Motor skills improvement is much needed in small children who are just beginning to learn a new physical task. It is equally helpful for the old age group as they may find their muscles weakening over time.
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Stronger bones
Playing sports makes your bones grow denser and stronger. Unlike walking, playing sports such as running or cycling, or basketball puts extra stress on the bones during quick movements. Your bones adapt to such stresses and hence grow stronger with time. However, care should be taken to not dislocate the joints or face a bone injury.
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Good mental health
Mental health is greatly affected by the healthiness of the body, for which playing sports is crucial. Mental illness is a very common problem, and there are varied symptoms associated with it. People with mental illness can experience stress, insomnia, anxiety and other symptoms. But, many studies have shown how playing sports regularly helps in maintaining stronger mental health.
Reports point out the fact that regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression by 20-30% lower, calms the mind, improves sleep quality and more. Studies also suggest an increased cognitive ability among children.
Sports help in developing a stronger mind. It enables people to form social circles by playing sports with friends or other people. It enables the mind to organize or strategize playing the sport, which are all ways of focusing your mind on a positive task.
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Lower hypertension
Hypertension is a very common medical condition that can become fatal if not taken care of. Regular physical activity helps in lowering blood pressure and keeping it stable. Many doctors recommend regular exercise to people with hypertension.
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Stronger immunity
Yes, playing sports helps in maintaining a stronger immune system since it increases the flow of white blood cells in the body. It also helps in removing toxins from the body through sweat and other fluid discharges. Sports help in keep your lungs strong, too, as you breathe heavily and exercise your lung muscles. It keeps your respiratory airways clean.
How sports affect children’s and adults’ health
Children who are exposed to playing sports at a young age are prone to leading healthier lives in the future. Studies have shown a correlation with higher academic success in children who play sports regularly.
The US Department of Health and Human Services also reports that children who inculcate the habit of staying active and playing sports are at a lower risk of indulging in drugs, smoking, or alcohol consumption.
Sports also play an important role in character-building among children. When kids are exposed to early socialization, team building, or working in a group at a young age, they tend to become more adaptable and kinder when they grow up. Playing sports teaches children to become humbler, manage stress, and develop self-respect and confidence.
The development of stronger muscles increased motor skills, and stronger bones are all part of the growing process in children that makes them grow healthier.
Healthy ageing is one factor every adult looks forward to. Adults should take care of their health by paying attention to cardiovascular health, a strong immune system, a healthy diet and more. Studies have shown a lack of adherence to physical activity with age; hence it is important that regular physical activity is maintained even among adults or the elderly.
Final Thoughts
Playing sports on a regular basis is essential for a healthy body, mind, and spirit. However, sports are also like a double-edged sword since there are a few negative aspects associated with them. When sports are played the wrong way, it can lead to injuries that can leave permanent damage to your body.
Few people also associate winning sports as a way of life and hence may take the wrong measures to win a sport. It can even lead to poor mental health, permanent body injuries, and other effects. However, the negative aspects far outnumber the positive effects playing sports can have in your life.