Do you participate regularly in sports?
What sports do you play?
Or are you like many of us–athletically-challenged?
I’m not going to lie.
My friends and family will tell you that I did not inherit the athletic gene, but I try
to incorporate movement, exercise and sports into my life as much as possible.
Sure, we love to drive our kids to soccer, softball and football practice and cheer them
on from the stands, but there are many compelling reasons for adults to play sports as well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2011 American Time Use Survey,
*The average American aged 15 or older spends just 18 minutes per day
participating in sports, exercise and recreation.
*There is strong evidence that regular physical activity in adults lowers the risk of
early death, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and an adverse blood lipid profile; there is also
strong evidence that it helps prevent weight gain and reduces depression.
*Basketball is the most popular team sport for exercise, with 5.1% of those who exercise
participating each day.
What’s more:
*Less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
*89% of adult sport participants who report a life satisfaction of at least 7 on a 1-10 scale
*Women who exercise four or more hours per week benefit from a 60% reduced risk
of breast cancer
Did you also know that stress relief, lowered risk of heart disease, new friendships,
stronger muscles, goal setting, understanding the value of commitment and hard
work are all major benefits of playing sports during your adult years.
But there are other not-so-obvious benefits of playing sports that can improve, and possibly lengthen,
your life.
So, if you’re and adult and you don’t currently participate in sports, you may want to reconsider.
As the old saying goes: “If you don’t move it, you’ll lose it!”
It’s time to move from spectator to gladiator!
Getting enough exercise and participating in sports can give you a longer, healthier life and just
make you feel better overall.
Even if you start out small, you can reap noticeable benefits.
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