Whether you’re throwing hoops on your own, playing a game of basketball or an elite competitive team, basketball is an excellent way to get fit and stay. In fact, even former President Barack Obama plays this sport daily as part of his exercise regimen. Here are some reasons why playing basketball could help you stay healthy and fit, that is, we will detail some of the benefits of playing basketball.
Benefits of playing basketball
Do you like basketball? Have you often heard your father say that you will grow taller and stronger if you practice this sport? Well, your father may have been right. But apart from just growing taller and stronger, this sport also offers you a host of other health benefits!
Basketball is a very popular sport around the world, it is popular because it can be played as a competitive sport or as a casual game in the local court. It is also an excellent way to exercise since it involves using the whole body; It is a dizzying game that involves a lot of jumping and running which is a fantastic way to exercise. If you want a sport that helps you stay fit and healthy, basketball is a perfect choice, as it comes with more than a few health benefits; the following are the benefits of playing basketball for health.
1. Promotes cardiovascular health
Basketball is ideal for the health of your heart! As you keep moving, your heart rate increases. It also helps develop resistance, which is important when you want to make sure your heart is healthy. It will help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease later in life.
3. Burning calories
Do you want to shed a few extra kilos? Play basketball! All the fast lateral movements, running and jumping, give you an aerobic workout that in turn can help you burn a lot of calories. For every hour of basketball, a person who weighs 165 pounds can burn around 600 calories, while a person who weighs 250 pounds can expect to burn approximately 900 calories, so the benefits of playing basketball are so extraordinary.
3. Develop bone strength
The physical demands of this wonderful sport help to improve and develop bone strength. Any physical activity that involves supporting weight allows the formation of new bone tissue, which in turn strengthens the bones. Both the muscles and the bones of your body become stronger with basketball since it is a physical activity that involves pulling and pushing the muscles against the bones.
4. Boosts the immune system
When you play basketball or any other sport, it helps reduce stress. When stress is reduced, you will have more energy and concentration to complete tasks. It also makes you more social, which in turn helps prevent depression. When stress is reduced, your immune system receives an impulse as well.
5. Provides strength training
When playing basketball, you get excellent full body training. This helps in the development of lean muscle, can help develop the lower back, neck, deltoids, traps and core muscles, also strengthens the legs and movements like shooting and dribbling help strengthen the arms, the muscles of the hands and the flexors of the wrist.
6. Boosts mental development
Basketball can be a dizzying game that requires many physical skills, but it is also a mental game that requires thinking of the toes. It requires that you have a lot of focus so you can process the action accurately and quickly on the court and make decisions that are effective with the ball. It also requires that you train yourself so that you can observe your opponents and teammates constantly and make quick decisions based on their actions, meaning that the benefits of playing basketball go beyond the physical. It also can help by attending a game and being around other fans while cheering on your side, such as a game between the Lakers vs Suns, which can be good for your mood for your mental health.
7. Develop better coordination and motor skills
Basketball requires excellent eye-hand coordination as well as coordination of the entire body. When you play this sport, it provides you with training to help develop these skills. Dribbling gives you training for hand-eye coordination, while the rebound of shots that are lost gives you the training to develop the coordination of the whole body.
8. Develop self-discipline and concentration
As with other sports, there are rules that must be followed when playing basketball. When you break these rules, this can generate sanctions for you and your team, that is, the benefits of playing basketball help you develop the self-discipline that is important, as it encourages you to be more competitive and just at the same time. It also keeps your mind focused and alert.
9. Improves the awareness of space and the body
Basketball is a game that requires spatial awareness. You need to know where you are positioned to make that perfect shot or play defence effectively when you are aware of space and body, you will know exactly where you should be when your teammate or opponent makes a throw or passes the ball. When your spatial awareness improves, it also helps you stay in balance.
10. Increase confidence
One of the best benefits of playing basketball is that it really increases confidence. Being a good player and being a member of a great team can do wonders to increase your self-esteem and help you gain more confidence, when your confidence increases, it also increases your faith in your abilities. Having confidence allows you to face life with a better disposition and has a positive effect on every aspect of your life.
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The dizzying action involved in the benefits of playing basketball makes it one of the most exciting games to play and see in the world. The fact that it provides numerous benefits is an excellent advantage. It is not surprising that the president of the USA. You have included it in your regular exercise routine to stay physically and mentally fit, it is a great game for adults and children. If you are looking to practice a sport that gives you multiple benefits, both physical and mental, this is the right one for you.