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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Let’s talk about the power of play …
Sports and games have been part of human culture since the Egyptian era. Participation has helped individuals and communities develop essential skills, and has improved health throughout history.
Fun Fact: The first traces of competitive sports goes back to the Egyptians. An Egyptian tomb depicts wrestling pictures dating back to around 2000 B.C., with hieroglyphics showing holds and moves still used in competitions today.
To the non-athlete, the rules and skills involved in sports may seem intimidating. However, you don’t need to be an athlete to play sports. Most games and even casual teams are mainly for fun and fitness.
The Lifelong Role of Sports
Kids
The benefits of sports specifically for kids is well-known. Most of their physical fitness comes in this form of play. (How often do you see them formally exercising for the sake of a healthy workout? Exactly.) Sports help kids maintain a healthy weight, develop fine motor skills, and improve balance, movement, strength, and cardiovascular health. It begins at an early age, with simple activities like kicking a ball as they toddle around the yard.
As they grow older, organized sports help develop social skills, self-confidence, and a healthy competitive spirit. They are also an outlet for stress from academic and peer pressures. For those with physical or emotional challenges, sports can be a safe, structured scenario where kids can interact in a positive manner.
Adults
Thoughts of adults and sports evoke two typical images: rooting for your favorite team with a remote control in one hand and a cold drink in the other, or carpooling kids to practices and cheering them from the bleachers. Defy these sedentary scenarios!
Sports participation, whether alone (shooting hoops, running, swimming) or on a team, is a fun way to accomplish some of your required 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. Sports participation is called “play” for a reason! People enjoy friendships, socializing, and interacting in this healthy way. Simultaneously, you also manage a cardio and strengthening workout.
You do not have to be an elite player. You don’t even have to be considered “good at sports.” You still burn off calories and stress, regardless of how many shots you make. Depending on the scenario (running for all those missed balls), you actually may get more physical activity before you perfect your skills.
Get Your Game On
You are never too old to learn something new, including a sport. Think beyond baseball, football, basketball, and other traditional pastimes. Athletic-type workouts can come in the form of hiking, pick-up games, and art forms like dance and martial arts. Enjoy them as a social experience with friends or a team/organization, or solo as a time for personal discovery and advancement.
A personal trainer can share exercises to improve your athletic prowess. Visit the Center’s website. Under the Services tab, highlight Personal Training and click on Staff. There, you will find trainers who specialize in sports performance and athletic training, some even in specific sports.
Sometimes, all you need is guidance on how to increase stamina and strength, which benefits all life’s physical activities. A trainer can make suggestions based on the activities you endeavor beyond the Fitness Floor. The rest can be learned as you play. Pull on a glove and toss a ball. Ask a friend to teach you some soccer strategies. Pick a seasoned runner to be your buddy as you train to participate in competitions, even if only competing against your personal best time.
See Where It Takes You
Start small. Cultivate skills at the Center, the local park, or in your yard. Spring weather allows plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. Find out what you enjoy and expand on it. For example, ask to join a friend’s softball team or take a dance-oriented Group Fitness class. Ask the fitness manager if the Center is involved in any running clubs or upcoming events.
You may not be training for actual sports performance but rather simply to learn. Perhaps you want to better understand the rules of the game, for when you’re with the sports enthusiasts in your life. Simultaneously, you get some exercise. Consider learning to swim. (Check the Center for a free lesson demo.) Try Pilates to discover how it enhances something like golf performance. Keep your brain strong and healthy by continuously learning.
The World Is Your Playground
You may have never identified yourself as an athlete. That does not mean you lack skills or talent. Give yourself a chance to experience a variety of sports. Add some fun and games to your fitness plan through athletics. Get off the sidelines and into the game!
Source
HistoryWorld.net
