Despite the fact that the majority of teens aged 13 to 17 are physically competent, only around 40% of them engage in any kind of sports activity, whether competitive or recreational. Unfortunately, the downward trend is projected to continue as today’s kids are driven to “activities” that just need a hand movement, such as video games, social networking, and web surfing.
If you’re a preteen or a teenager who hasn’t yet tried a sport, now is the time! Aside from the sheer enjoyment of engaging in sports, there are a slew of other compelling reasons to do so. Only seven of them are included in this list.
1. You’ll be in better physical condition.
Sports need you to move your body, and it is common known that exercise is good for your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity supports weight loss, combats health issues and diseases, improves mood, enhances energy, and promotes better sleep. The health advantages of sports involvement much outweigh the dangers of injury.
2. You’ll have a better understanding of the subject.
Participating in sports has been proved in several studies to boost cognitive ability. According to an Institute of Medicine study, children who are more active have greater attention, faster cognitive processing speed, and perform better on standardized academic examinations than children who are less active.
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and increased blood flow to the brain promotes brain growth, so this isn’t surprising. Plus, sports demand you to plan and think on your feet, which keeps your mind alert and fresh.
3. You’ll learn how to work as part of a team and how to perform well as an athlete.
Individuals learn to rely on and motivate one another in order to attain a common goal in sports. Individual sports are enjoyable, but team sports teach you an important lesson: a team’s — or an organization’s — success is determined by how well the players communicate. Even the “star” player will be unable to win the game on his or her alone.
Sports also teach you how to play correctly and how to respect the players on the other side. Cheating, bragging, and fighting have no place in sports — or the professional world for that matter. Regardless matter whether you win or lose, sports teach you to give it your utmost and conduct decently.
4. You’ll make new friends.
If you join a sports team, you will almost surely make friends. Because teammates share so many pleasurable and exciting occasions, your friendships should last long after you’ve completed playing. There’s one more advantage: after a game, most teams go out to eat!
5. You’ll improve your ability to focus and manage your time.
Sports require time and commitment, but most players do better in school and are more likely to join groups or contribute in the community. What makes you think that this is possible? When it comes to athletics, adolescent athletes must develop two key skills: concentration and time management. People who are able to concentrate and manage their time are more likely to get things done and accomplish their short and long-term goals.
6. You’ll improve your college résumé.
While it is true that schools and colleges favor applicants who are well-rounded, it should not be the major motive for engaging in sports like basketball legends. Playing a sport not only enhances your CV, but it also demonstrates to the admissions counselor that you are disciplined, self-assured, and can collaborate well. It’s likely that, in addition to being a good student, you have leadership potential.
7. You’ll have an advantage in work.
A “dumb jock” is not everyone who engages in sports. According to research, girls and boys who engage in sports have a greater probability of securing higher-status jobs than those who do not.
According to a Cornell University study, teenagers who engaged in sports had more leadership skills, performed better in teams, and had more confidence. According to the study, “participation in competitive childhood sports’spills over’ to occupationally beneficial attributes that last throughout a person’s life.”
