ClassX Video Lessons How playing sports benefits your body … and your brain – Leah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh
The thrill of an underdog victory, the excitement of a last-minute penalty shot, and the high-energy training montages are just a few reasons why many people are drawn to sports. While cheering for our favorite teams and engaging in sports can be exhilarating, it raises an important question: Should we be so obsessed with sports? Are they truly beneficial, or merely a fun pastime? Let’s explore what science has to say.
It’s widely acknowledged that exercise is beneficial for both our bodies and minds. Engaging in physical activity, especially from a young age, offers numerous health advantages. It strengthens bones, reduces bad cholesterol, and lowers the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Moreover, exercise triggers the release of endorphins—natural hormones that manage pain and pleasure responses in the central nervous system. These endorphins can induce feelings of euphoria, often referred to as a “runner’s high.” Regular physical activity can also enhance focus, mood, and memory.
While regular gym workouts provide significant benefits, participating in team sports offers additional advantages. Studies indicate that joining a sport and a team can yield psychological benefits that extend beyond the physical and mental perks of exercise alone. These benefits include both short-term and long-term psychological improvements.
Being part of a team fosters a sense of community. It teaches individuals to trust and depend on others, accept and offer help, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Moreover, the commitment to a team and the enjoyment of the activity can make it easier to maintain a regular exercise routine. Participation in school sports has been shown to reduce the risk of depression for up to four years, while also boosting self-esteem and confidence.
One of the key reasons sports can enhance self-esteem is through training. Consistent practice, especially under the guidance of a skilled coach, reinforces a growth mindset. This mindset encourages individuals to believe that, even if they can’t achieve something today, they can improve through practice and eventually succeed. Such a mindset is invaluable in all areas of life.
Additionally, sports teach valuable lessons through failure. Learning to cope with defeat builds resilience and self-awareness, equipping individuals to handle academic, social, and physical challenges. Even if a team isn’t consistently winning, the experience itself offers substantial benefits.
Not everyone will enjoy every sport. Some teams may be too competitive, while others may not be competitive enough. It might take time to find a sport that aligns with your strengths, and that’s perfectly fine. By exploring different options, you can discover a sport that meets your individual needs.
Once you find the right fit, the benefits are plentiful. You’ll become part of a supportive community, build confidence, exercise your body, and nurture your mind—all while having fun.
Design a poster that highlights the physical, mental, and social benefits of playing sports. Use colorful images, catchy slogans, and key points from the article to make your poster engaging and informative. Share your poster with the class and explain why you chose to highlight certain benefits.
Divide into two groups and hold a debate on the topic: “Team sports offer more benefits than individual sports.” Use evidence from the article to support your arguments. After the debate, discuss what you learned about the different types of benefits sports can provide.
Keep a journal for one week where you document your experiences with sports or physical activities. Reflect on moments when you faced challenges and how you overcame them. Write about how these experiences helped you develop a growth mindset and resilience, as discussed in the article.
Organize a day where you try out different sports. Rotate through stations that offer activities like soccer, basketball, tennis, and running. Afterward, write a reflection on which sports you enjoyed the most and why. Consider how each sport aligns with your strengths and interests.
Interview a coach or athlete about their experiences with sports. Prepare questions based on the article, such as how sports have benefited them physically, mentally, and socially. Share your findings with the class and discuss how their experiences relate to the concepts discussed in the article.
Sports – Physical activities that involve skill and competition, often played in teams or individually. – Playing sports like soccer or basketball can help improve your physical fitness and teamwork skills.
Exercise – Physical activity that is planned and structured to improve fitness and health. – Regular exercise, such as jogging or cycling, can help keep your heart healthy and your muscles strong.
Benefits – Positive effects or advantages gained from something. – One of the benefits of regular physical activity is that it can improve your mood and reduce stress.
Team – A group of people working together towards a common goal, especially in sports. – Being part of a soccer team teaches you how to cooperate and communicate with others.
Community – A group of people living in the same area or having a particular characteristic in common. – Joining a local sports club can help you feel more connected to your community.
Confidence – Belief in one’s abilities or qualities. – Participating in physical activities can boost your confidence as you improve and achieve your goals.
Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks. – Playing sports can teach you resilience, as you learn to bounce back from losses and keep trying.
Mindset – A set of attitudes or beliefs that shape how you think and act. – Having a positive mindset can help you stay motivated and focused during challenging physical activities.
Activity – Something that you do, especially for enjoyment or to achieve a goal. – Physical activity, like dancing or swimming, is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury and having overall well-being. – Eating nutritious foods and staying active are essential for good health.
