Teenagers Should Play Sports!
More and more teenagers are passing on the opportunity to play sports — and that’s not good!
It’s a bit unsettling to know that while most teens ages 13-17 are physically able, only about 40 percent of them are active in any sports activity , competitive or recreational. Unfortunately, the downward trend may likely continue because today’s young people are being lured into “activities” that require only the movement of a hand, such as video games, social media or web surfing.
If you’re a pre-teen or teen and you haven’t played a sport yet, now’s the perfect time to give it a try! Beyond the simple enjoyment of playing, there are several other good reasons to join a sport. Below are just seven of them.
1. You’ll be healthier.
Sports require you to move your body, and it’s a commonly known fact that exercise is good for your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity helps control weight, combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy and promotes better sleep. The health advantages of participating in a sport far outweigh the dangers of actual injury.
2. You’ll be smarter.
Many studies reveal that playing sports can actually boost your brainpower. A report from the Institute of Medicine stated: Children who are more active show greater attention, have faster cognitive processing speed, and perform better on standardized academic tests than children who are less active.
This shouldn’t be too surprising as exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and blood flow to the brain stimulates brain growth. Plus, playing a sport actually does require you to think on your feet and strategize, keeping your mind sharp and alert.
