Research has proven that almost all forms of exercise are excellent for your health, and football is certainly no exception. Not only is playing football a fun hobby, but it is also a wonderful form of exercise, contributing to strength build-up as well as cardio fitness. So while a lot of people play football because they enjoy competing in a team sport, it is also a great way to boost your health.
Football can even be good for your health when you are just watching! Getting your friends together to watch Monday Night Football (MNF) can be good for your mental health, as you get the opportunity to socialize and spend time with others. At a time when society is becoming much more conscious about mental health needs, we know that socializing is absolutely crucial. What better way to spend time with friends than sitting in front of the TV together, watching and discussing the game?
But the main ways that football is good for your health come from actually playing the game, so let’s take a look at the various ways in which football can promote your wellbeing.
A cardio workout
One of the best things about football is that it gives you a fantastic cardio workout. This means it gets the blood pumping quickly around your body and elevates your heart rate, which has a huge positive impact on your health.
You’ll get a different type of cardio workout depending on the position that you play, but most positions involve some form of extended running around the field of play.
Many people find cardio training to be rather boring if it involves just running in the gym, staring at the same spot on the treadmill for ages. With football, the cardio workout doesn’t feel boring at all. You’re usually out on the field with friends, in the fresh air, and focusing on your performance instead of just ticking off the minutes and trying to get to the end of the workout.
If you can find a sport you love that gives you a great cardio workout, you’re definitely winning.
High-intensity training
High intensity interval training (HIIT) has become all the rage in recent years, with people using HIIT methods to try and get in shape.
HIIT involves doing short bursts of high-intensity exercise with short rest periods in between. This type of workout has been shown to be better for building fitness than lower-intensity exercise for longer periods of time. It’s also great for toning up your body.
HIIT can be done using various types of exercise equipment, but it is not always necessary to use equipment. Sports like football lend themselves to HIIT. During a game, players will naturally be doing lots of short sprints and then having periods of rest, so playing football is basically the epitome of HIIT training.
In addition to being high intensity, football can also be high impact, which means that protective equipment like football neck rolls can be vital for keeping your body in the best possible condition. You need to look after your body and wear the right protective equipment, to ensure you’re ready for your HIIT workout on the football field.
Improved mental health
People who exercise regularly will know first hand that it has a beneficial impact on their mental health. When we exercise, our brain releases endorphins and other substances that give us natural “highs”. Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function.
On top of that, there are many other aspects of playing football that are good for your mental health. The achievement that goes along with competing against others and even making successful plays, can help to boost your self-esteem.
Also, people love to be part of a team, and being a good team player is a huge part of being a successful football player. The social side of playing football should not be underestimated when looking at the health benefits of playing the sport.
Increased strength
If you’re looking to find a sport that can help you to build strength rather than just give you a cardio workout, you should seriously consider football.
If you watch football players during their training sessions, you will see them participating in various strength drills. And strength training is not just for defensive players. All football players, regardless of their position, need to be physically strong. Even those players who are selected for their high levels of skill, such as receivers or quarterbacks, need to also have peak levels of strength and conditioning.
Looking for a strong physique as well as being fit and able to run for the duration of a football match? It’s time to get started with your training.
Relief from stress and tension
The modern world is so fast-paced these days, and many people suffer from high levels of stress in both their work lives and their personal lives. Stress has been proven to have serious negative implications for both mental and physical health, so another way in which playing football can boost your health is by providing a break from the stresses of everyday life.
Both watching and playing sport give you the opportunity to focus on other things, and many sports fans will tell you that this is one of the main reasons that they watch and participate in sport. It provides a welcome distraction and release.
Playing sport can also be a great way to get out your frustration, and the physical nature of football can certainly help achieve this.
Conclusion
These are just some of the ways in which football can be fabulous for your health, both physical and mental. If you are the type of person who wants to stay fit, then joining your local football team is an amazing way to stay in shape and to boost your body and your mind.
The next time someone questions your obsession with football, you can explain all of the wonderful benefits that it has for your health.