Yes, it’s cold outside and yes, the sun is setting before you have even finished work, but neither of those things is a good excuse for not taking up a sport. There are so many advantages to getting involved in a sport. Some are physical, others are psychological, but the bottom line is that it is a good thing to do. If you are sitting on the fence and unsure whether it is worth your time to don your trainers and get outside, here are some reasons why you should take up a sport.
It is More Fun than the Gym
Seriously, it is. Going to the gym is fine. You can listen to music while you work out for a bit and then you go home. But, playing a sport is a whole different ball game (pun intended). Not only is there a competitive element, which always spices things up, but you are playing with other people. Whether you are on the same team or not, exercising with other people is way more fun and often motivates you to push yourself harder than you would normally.
It Is a Social Event
Following on from that last point, sport is not just about exercise, it is also about meeting new people. Often, people form very strong bonds with their team mates and can even make them part of their primary friendship group. If you have just moved to a new a city or you would like to expand your existing friendship group, joining a sports team is an excellent way to do so. On top of the time you spend actually playing the sport, you are bound to be invited to socials too. Even just a quick pint after practice is a great opportunity for mingling.
It Is Good For Your Mental Health
Life can be stressful, there is no two ways about it. The most important thing is that you find an outlet for this stress. Rather than sitting in your room and screaming internally, take out all of your frustration and stress on the pitch. Kicking or hitting a ball with all your strength will do wonders for you – trust me. If nothing else, the time you spend playing the sport will distract you from whatever was stressing you out beforehand.
It Is a Healthy Way to Spend Your Evenings
After spending all day sat down in an office, we need to stretch our legs before we settle down for the evening. Running around for an hour or two in an enjoyable and fun atmosphere will do the trick perfectly. By playing sports once or twice a week, you can improve your fitness, lose weight, and build up some muscle. If you think it’s necessary, you can supplement this with a gym session or morning run every now and then.
It Spices Up Your Evenings
Most of us come home from work, eat dinner and watch TV for a bit before falling asleep. This is absolutely fine, but can be problematic if it becomes an every day routine. Interrupt your evening plans by throwing in some sport. You can be sure that adding in this new activity will work wonders on how you feel. Don’t worry, you will still have plenty of Netflix binge time.
