At Innovative Fitness, we’re passionate about soccer! And there’s no shortage of reasons why.
Soccer, which is also referred to as football in most places outside of North America, is the most popular and commonly played sport in the world. It’s relatively cheap to play and has many health benefits. And, of course, it’s also really fun.
The Physical Benefits of Soccer
Soccer requires a great deal of stamina as players are required to constantly be sprinting, jogging or walking throughout a 90-minute game. This increases an individual’s aerobic capacity, which helps decrease cardiovascular diseases and prevent obesity. Aerobic exercise also helps fight anxiety and depression. Soccer can aid in improving an individual’s self-esteem, and create a better self-image for themselves due to healthier living standards.
According to studies, regular participation in soccer increases lower leg muscle mass, provides greater power in the lower extremities, as well as helps build better posture. In addition, due to the weight bearing nature of sport and mix of muscular stimuli, sports like soccer lead to stronger bones and a decreased risk of bone fractures in players.
The Mental Benefits of Soccer
In addition to all the physical health benefits that soccer provides, it also helps boost participants’ mental capacity. Individuals who play soccer gain an increased concentration and practice methods of quick-thinking. Learning to react appropriately to unpredictable situations on the field requires fast response times, and this can translate to our outside lives.
Team sports also teach the value of working together to reach a common goal. Players on a team must work to overcome problems that arise and learn very valuable problem-solving skills, which they can then incorporate into their daily life activities. Team sports help build a good foundation for teamwork, and can teach children at a young age that their actions can affect the team as a whole, not just the individual. These are things that also hold true in our work life, as well as with our respective family and friends.
Sports can also create closer bonds within families. Whether a parent and their child are practising drills for an upcoming game, or simply attending their child’s soccer match, it allows for this connection and common interest, which will ultimately strengthen these relationships.
So as the spring weather improves outdoor activities, make time to get out there and play soccer! Or any sport for that matter! Regardless of your age and experience level, there are opportunities for joining recreational and intramural teams (or competitive, if that’s your thing). Speak to your IF training coach if you’re considering adding team sports into your fitness regime! We can help you prepare, and find the perfect match within your community.
Kia Taeb
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
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