7 Reasons Why You Should Start Playing Basketball
Basketball is one sport that is both enjoyable and great for anyone’s health. It’s suitable for just about anyone at any skill level and can be played with two people or more. Of course, we all know how popular this sport is all around the world. However, do you know why it’s great for your health? There are many reasons to start playing basketball on a regular basis.
It Strengthens Muscular Endurance
To play basketball, you need agility, strength, and stamina. You have to move quickly and change directions using high-intensity, short-duration muscle contractions. Additionally, you’ll need muscular endurance – the ability of your muscles to repeatedly apply force for an extended period of time. If you want to increase your muscular endurance, you can do so by playing basketball and by doing exercises to build lower and upper body strength. Also strengthening your core and back muscles will have a positive effect on your stamina, energy levels, and performance.
It Builds Healthy Bones
Playing any team sport like basketball can have a positive effect on bone strength. People who played handball and football have been shown to have more bone mineral density than those who were sedentary.
It Improves Balance and Coordination
To play basketball, you need to develop hand-eye and foot coordination while you maintain your balance throughout all the movements. As you play, you’ll have to move your body fast while jumping, pivoting, and changing directions. Playing basketball requires you to use motor skills like shooting, passing, and dribbling. In addition, you’ll also become skilled in rebounding and all kinds of defensive moves. Maintaining a strong body will help you perform all these movements more easily.
It Boosts Heart Health
It’s a known fact that regular physical activity helps improve heart health and overall fitness levels. According to research done in 2019, playing basketball will increase people’s resting heart rates which has a positive effect on cardiorespiratory fitness. This is directly linked to a lower chance of developing cardiovascular diseases.
It Lowers Stress
Doing any physical activity releases endorphins in the brain – these are feel-good hormones. Endorphins can boost your mood, promote relaxation, and even reduce pain. Additionally, they can alleviate depression, boost self-esteem, and enhance your work performance too. Not to mention, playing basketball will help you hone your concentration skills by focusing on the game. In turn, this could help you develop present-moment awareness and mindfulness. All these tools can be effective in helping you deal with anxiety in other areas of your life.
It Develops Communication Skills
When interacting with your teammates, you might learn new ways to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. You’ll get the chance to talk to them and listen to what they have to say. It’s most likely that there will be time to communicate before, during, and after a game or practice. Developing positive communication skills will be beneficial for your athletic, personal, and professional life.
It Develops Self Confidence
Playing basketball can help you develop self-confidence as you find your own voice and learn about who you are in new situations. Members of a team can encourage, motivate, and support each other. They can also point out areas that need improvement, leading to positive growth.