Football players are not just players with trophies but are also fitness enthusiasts. And it is a reward for the whole day to burn out their body. Playing football isn't only linked with your sportive or cognitive skills, but they do have a considerable impact on your physical health as well. In this blog, I have shared the health and other benefits of playing football. So, if you want to know more about it, read the blog till the end.
Benefits of Playing Football
Football isn't just a sport filled with enjoyment but also a type of exercise which positively impacts your body physically and mentally. To play it wisely you should know the fundamental skills of playing football. The following are some of the few health benefits of playing football.
Physical Health Benefits of Playing Football
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Playing football is directly linked with promoting and helping your cardiovascular health. Since it is a high-intensity or aerobic sport, it is indeed beneficial for your health.
Playing football involves a wide range of actions, including sprinting and jogging, along with quick directional changes that help strengthen a person's heart and lungs.
Also, several studies suggest that playing football regularly leads to better heart health.
It also increases oxygen uptake, enhancing your endurance.
Constructs Muscle Strength
Playing football is also incredibly beneficial to your muscles.
They help build muscles of various parts of your body, including the core, legs and the upper body.
This involves practising several moves, including Kicking, sprinting, and jumping, that help strengthen your Quads, Hamstrings, and Calves.
To build your core-like Abs, Obliques, and Lower Back, you have to stabilize your body during the twists, turns, and shots.
To strengthen your upper body, like your shoulders and arms, try to include throw-ins, shielding the ball, and physical duels, which help these to engage.
Increases Stamina and Speed
And there the saying goes, 'Practice Makes Perfect'. So, the more you practise, the more efficient you become, and thus, your speed in the game increases.
So, according to the census, players cover at least 3-4 miles (approximately) per match, which provides both aerobic and anaerobic exercises.
Also, the stop-and-go nature of the football game imitates HIIT, which provokes speed and helps burn fat.
Helps in Weight Loss and Metabolism
Planning for weight loss? Nothing could align more with your fitness goals.
A 90-minute spend on playing football helps burn around 500-1,000+ calories, depending upon the intensity of the match.
It also helps boost metabolism for hours post-game, also known as the calorie burn. It also helps reduce visceral fat, which leads to obesity-related risks to your body.
Reinforces Bones and Joints
Playing football helps improve your bone density, apart from improving your skills.
Several weight-bearing body movements, such as running and jumping, help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
It also helps in strengthening the ligaments, and tendons, reducing the risk of injury, with proper sports training.
Fixes Coordination, Balance and Reflexes
Practising several types of dribbling and kicks in football not only helps improve your skills but also improves your coordination.
It also improves other skills, such as passing, dribbling, and shooting.
Quick directional changes improve agility, body awareness and reaction time.
Goalkeepers also develop particularly sharp reflexes during the gameplay.
Mental Health Benefits of Playing Football
Stress Relief
Physical activities promote and relieve you from daily stress.
This is because physical exertion releases endorphins from your body, which helps in reducing anxiety and depression.
Team dynamics help foster social bonding for combating feelings like depression and loneliness.
Football is a strategic game which improves your decision-making ability.
Improves Sleep Quality
The shift from a physical to a sedentary lifestyle has paved the way for sleeping disorders such as insomnia.
Hence, playing football leads to physical exertion, which improves both your mood and sleep cycle and helps obtain deep and restorative sleep.
Apart from this, it also reduces the stress and anxiety that contribute to fewer sleep disturbances.
Builds Discipline and Resilience
Regular training intervals lead to the development of self-discipline, perseverance, and patience among individuals.
Also, it teaches individuals to deal with wins and losses and teaches them valuable life skills such as emotional control.
Regular training also helps build mental toughness to overcome the challenges, fatigue, and setbacks in your daily life.
Enhances Cognitive Function
All these physical activities also come up with tons of brain efficiency tactics, allowing individuals to sharpen their cognitive areas like quick decision-making, improving focus and memory, and enhancing problem-solving skills.
It also helps improve your mental ability to anticipate the opponent's moves.
Research suggests that playing football is linked to better executive functions such as planning and multi-tasking.
Improves Mood Swings
Football is a team sport which allows social interaction that combats feelings such as isolation and loneliness.
You can also achieve several things including scoring, assisting, and winning, which provides a sense of accomplishment, and improves the self-esteem of the individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Benefits of Playing Football
Can Football Be Beneficial for Mental Health?
Yes, football is incredibly helpful in combating mental health problems, helping reduce stress, fighting depression, sharpening cognitive function, building resilience, fostering social connections, and improving overall well-being.
How Many Calories Can You Burn at a Minimum While Playing Football?
Football helps burn at least 500-1000 calories in a match, depending on the intensity of the game, making it an excellent option for weight loss.
Is the Football Game Suitable for All Ages?
The football game is suitable for all age people in modified versions. Hence, it can be played by all the kids, adults, and seniors, promoting lifelong fitness among the individuals.
Football is a holistic game that provides both physical and mental health benefits to your body helping reduce stress, fight depression, sharpen the mind, and foster social bonds. Whether played competitively or casually, its psychological benefits are as valuable as the physical ones.
Turf Town is a platform to discover the best playing grounds near you. You can also join a group of people who share your interest in the game. The app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Thank you!
