DID THE OLYMPICS INSPIRE YOU TO TAKE UP A NEW SPORT ?
W L FITNESS
DID THE OLYMPICS INSPIRE YOU TO TAKE UP A NEW SPORT ?
By Charlotte Forde , Ellavate Fitness
It is unbelievable that the Olympics were a whole month ago . If you were anything like me , you watched each event with pride , respect and in complete awe of the athletes , but also the urge to try a sport you have not seen or participated in before . Whether this is the case or not , a sport is always something to consider when thinking about improving your health and wellbeing regardless of your age .
Organised sports have a huge impact on a person ' s life and health . Although it doesn ' t necessarily need to be an alternative to a regular exercise routine , sometimes it is difficult to find the motivation to workout . However , by participating in a sport it is a fun way to keep you accountable and consistent with your physical activity and it can give you a different motivation whether that be a health or a social benefit . Engaging in a sport you enjoy can be much more exciting than going to the gym . When you are enjoying your exercise you are more likely to continue playing even when you start to fatigue . There are many other benefits including : -
Sport is a great way to develop friendships . Organised sports typically meet multiple times per week and therefore become a commitment in your life . When you are meeting a regular group of like minded individuals , it is very easy to make friends , especially as sports clubs also tend to hold social events frequently . Sports can increase self-esteem and social acceptance .
Sport helps you develop new skills . Organised sports are normally led by a qualified coach who will offer you support and motivation and provide sport specific training without causing you injury . Coaches will push you to challenge yourself and playing sports will expose you to the highs and lows of competing . Being introduced to sport at any stage of your life can also enhance your social skills .
Playing sports makes you happy . Just like regular exercise , playing sports releases a “ happy hormone ” called endorphins . It can boost your mood , reduce stress and make you feel uplifted . Life can be difficult and sport can be a positive way to overcome unhealthy habits and situations . Finding a sport you enjoy is extremely rewarding and can give you a sense of achievement .
Sports can be a fun way to lose weight and keep fit . An unhealthy routine increases the chances of gaining weight and multiple diseases that affect your health . Given that any physical activity increases your heart rate and burns calories , playing in sports may increase the number of hours per week you participate in physical activity , the intensity at which you workout and the duration that you continue to stay with that activity .
Sports help enhance your everyday life You will gain lean muscle mass and burn fat simultaneously when playing sports . You will also improve your motor skills like balance and coordination which can improve your functional fitness and reduce the risk of falls . Regular exercise can also improve your sleep quality .
When you take up sports at an early age you are more likely to be active later in life , but don ’ t let that put you off if you have never played a sport before , even late adopters will still reap the rewards . People who take up sports relatively late in mid-life are more likely to be active in old age compared to those who don ’ t , especially when you consider the transition into retirement meaning more spare time to exercise and socialise . But , the best chance of staying fit for as long as possible is by taking up a sporting hobby that you enjoy and want to develop in .
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