Racket sports, which include badminton, tennis, squash, and table tennis, are excellent forms of exercise that have been enjoyed for many years. These sports have a range of health benefits that make them a perfect choice for a workout. In this article, we will explore five reasons why you should make racket sports your go-to workout.
Reason 1: Racket sports help to maintain a healthy heart
Racket sports are excellent for maintaining a healthy heart. These sports require quick movements that stimulate cardiorespiratory fitness. Unlike other forms of exercise, racket sports involve different movements, such as jumping, running, and hitting, which promote an increase in heart rate. This increase in heart rate helps to reduce the likelihood of heart disease and keep your arteries clean.
Playing racket sports for an hour can burn 500-1000 calories, depending on the intensity of the game. This calorie-burning exercise helps to keep the heart healthy, and prevents diseases such as stroke, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Engaging in a 30-minute game of badminton, tennis or squash at least three times a week can help to maintain the health of the heart.
Reason 2: Racket sports build endurance and strength
Playing racket sports requires quick and explosive movements that build endurance and strength. These sports engage various muscles in the body, such as the glutes, legs, core, arms, and shoulders. Your upper and lower body’s strength and endurance are boosted as these muscles are exercised during the game. These muscles work together to create the perfect shot, which leads to great upper and lower body strength as well as balance.
Building endurance and strength aid in daily living activities, such as carrying heavy items or performing tasks that require physical endurance. To build strength and endurance through racket sports, play for a minimum of 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week. You can also engage with a coach or trainer to receive advice on the interval training and exercises that would improve your endurance and balance.
Reason 3: Racket sports encourage social interaction and mental well-being
Enjoying sports is not only beneficial for your physical health, but also your mental well-being. Racket sports require that players communicate with others, which helps to improve their social life. These sports require players to work in teams and communicate with their partners or opponents. Engaging in this sport can also help prevent social isolation, which could lead to a negative mental state such as depression, anxiety or other mood disorders.
Additionally, playing racket sports has been shown to reduce stress levels. Engaging in physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are naturally occurring hormones that improve mood, reduce anxiety, depression or other mood disorders, and create positive feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Reason 4: Racket sports aid in weight loss and weight management
Racket sports are a fun way to lose weight and keep off the pounds. These sports are versatile in shedding extra weight by burning calories that would otherwise be stored in the body. Consistently engaging in these sports can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight.
It is important to note that racket sports contribute to weight loss and management if you also maintain a healthy diet. Having a healthy diet in-line with a weekly scheduled exercise of fair racket sport sessions for a minimum of 45 minutes, up to four times a week could help you see significant changes in your weight.
Reason 5: Racket sports are versatile and convenient
Racket sports are versatile and can suit different schedules or lifestyle. You can play them indoors, outdoors, during the day or the evening, depending on your preference. This means that you can always find a game that accommodates your schedule.
Another excellent aspect of racket sports that make it a convenient option for exercise is its affordability. Compared to other exercise options, such as gym memberships or fitness classes, playing racket sports are relatively inexpensive.
Summary
In conclusion, there are many benefits to playing racket sports as a form of exercise. These benefits include maintaining a healthy heart, building endurance and strength, encouraging social interaction and mental well-being, aiding in weight loss and weight management, and being versatile and convenient. By incorporating these sports into your workout regimen, you can improve your overall health and well-being. Remember to always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.