How playing sports benefits your body ... and your brain

Bodyweight Balance

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00:00The victory of the underdog over the favored team, the last minute penalty shot that wins

00:12the tournament, the high energy training montages.

00:16Many people love to glorify victory on the playing field, cheer for favorite teams and

00:21play sports.

00:22But here's a question.

00:24Should we be so obsessed with sports?

00:27Is playing sports actually as good for us as we make it out to be, or just a fun and

00:32entertaining pastime?

00:34What does science have to say?

00:36First of all, it's well accepted that exercise is good for our bodies and minds, and that's

00:40definitely true.

00:42Exercising, especially when we're young, has all sorts of health benefits, like strengthening

00:47our bones, clearing out bad cholesterol from our arteries, and decreasing the risk of stroke,

00:53high blood pressure, and diabetes.

00:55Our brains also release a number of chemicals when we work out, including endorphins.

01:01These natural hormones, which control pain and pleasure responses in the central nervous

01:05system, can lead to feelings of euphoria, or what's often called a runner's high.

01:10Increased endorphins, and consistent physical activity in general, can sharpen your focus

01:16and improve your mood and memory.

01:18So does that mean we'd get just as much benefit going to the gym five days a week as we would

01:22joining a team and competing?

01:25Well, here's where it gets interesting.

01:28Because it turns out that if you can find a sport and a team you like, studies show

01:33that there are all sorts of benefits that go beyond the physical and mental benefits

01:37of exercise alone.

01:39Some of the most significant are psychological benefits, both in the short and long term.

01:44Some of those come from the communal experience of being on a team.

01:48For instance, learning to trust and depend on others, to accept help, to give help, and

01:54to work together towards a common goal.

01:57In addition, commitment to a team and doing something fun can also make it easier to establish

02:02a regular habit of exercise.

02:05School sport participation has also been shown to reduce the risk of suffering from depression

02:10for up to four years.

02:12Meanwhile, your self-esteem and confidence can get a big boost.

02:16There are a few reasons for that.

02:18One is found in training.

02:20Just by working and working at skills, especially with a good coach, you reinforce a growth

02:25mindset within yourself.

02:27That's when you say, even if I can't do something today, I can improve myself through

02:32practice and achieve it eventually.

02:35That mindset is useful in all walks of life.

02:38And then there's learning through failure, one of the most transformative long-term benefits

02:43of playing sports.

02:45The experience of coming to terms with defeat can build the resilience and self-awareness

02:49necessary to manage academic, social, and physical hurdles.

02:53So even if your team isn't winning all the time, or at all, there is a real benefit to

02:57your experience.

02:59Now, not everyone will enjoy every sport.

03:02Perhaps one team is too competitive or not competitive enough.

03:06It can also take time to find a sport that plays to your strengths.

03:10That's completely okay.

03:11But if you spend some time looking, you'll be able to find a sport that fits your individual

03:16needs.

03:17And if you do, there are so many benefits.

03:20You'll be a part of a supportive community.

03:22You'll be building your confidence.

03:24You'll be exercising your body, and you'll be nurturing your mind.

03:28Not to mention having fun.

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