While most people understand the importance of physical activity, the words "keeping fit" are usually
associated with exercise programs. Sport participation adds a new dimension to the physical activity spectrum. International organizations, such as the European Commission, the World Health Organization, the Americas Council of Sports and the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport have published papers citing the physical, psychological and social advantages of sport participation.
Burning Calories
Sport provides a means of constant physical activity, and physical activities burn calories. Even sports that are characterized by intermittent activity burn more calories than being sedentary. Winter sports, for example, inspire people to get outdoors when they would normally be staying at home. The Winter Feels Good website lists the caloric expenditure of various winter sports. Depending on your weight, age and the specific sport, you can burn between 213 and 1,208 calories per hour.
Sport provides a means of constant physical activity, and physical activities burn calories. Even sports that are characterized by intermittent activity burn more calories than being sedentary. Winter sports, for example, inspire people to get outdoors when they would normally be staying at home. The Winter Feels Good website lists the caloric expenditure of various winter sports. Depending on your weight, age and the specific sport, you can burn between 213 and 1,208 calories per hour.
Coordination and Balance
Sport activity requires balance, coordination and proprioception, which is the body's awareness of its position in space. Aging often causes impaired balance and proprioception, which in turn leads to coordination issues. Sport participation can prevent age-related loss of these important aspects of fitness.
Enforces a Healthy Lifestyle
A study published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" titled "Personal Health Benefits of Masters Athletics Competition" explored the long-term health of older endurance athletes. The researchers studied 551 athletic men and 199 athletic women over a seven year period. Only 1.4 percent of the participants sustained a non-fatal heart attack and only 0.6 percent required bypass surgery over the seven year period. Most of the former smokers indicated that they stopped smoking before they began their training.
A study published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" titled "Personal Health Benefits of Masters Athletics Competition" explored the long-term health of older endurance athletes. The researchers studied 551 athletic men and 199 athletic women over a seven year period. Only 1.4 percent of the participants sustained a non-fatal heart attack and only 0.6 percent required bypass surgery over the seven year period. Most of the former smokers indicated that they stopped smoking before they began their training.
ncrease Bone Mass
Research published in the Nov./Dec. 2009 edition of "Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach" evaluated 560 athletes who were participants in the 2005 National Senior Games. The 298 women and 289 men were active in a variety of high-impact sports. Those who took the voluntary bone mineral density test exhibited healthy bone density. It is speculated that high impact sport participation can prevent osteoporosis.
Vitamin D and Sunshine
While there are some dangers associated with sun exposure, an article in the Sept. 29, 2009 edition of the Wellness section of the "New York Times" suggests that sunshine is still the best source of vitamin D. The article cites studies performed at the Atascadero State Hospital, which found that athletes exposed to vitamin D-producing ultraviolet light had enhanced levels of performance. Vitamin D also enhances bone health and increases the size of fast twitch muscle fibers.
While there are some dangers associated with sun exposure, an article in the Sept. 29, 2009 edition of the Wellness section of the "New York Times" suggests that sunshine is still the best source of vitamin D. The article cites studies performed at the Atascadero State Hospital, which found that athletes exposed to vitamin D-producing ultraviolet light had enhanced levels of performance. Vitamin D also enhances bone health and increases the size of fast twitch muscle fibers.
Exercise Compliance
Training for an athletic event indirectly affects health by helping people stick to their fitness programs. Sports provide measurable, concrete goals, such as improving speed, strength balance and coordination. The person training for an event will be less likely to miss exercise sessions. She may also be more conscious about her nutrition and hydration needs.
Training for an athletic event indirectly affects health by helping people stick to their fitness programs. Sports provide measurable, concrete goals, such as improving speed, strength balance and coordination. The person training for an event will be less likely to miss exercise sessions. She may also be more conscious about her nutrition and hydration needs.
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