SPORTS                                                                     

 is good for the body, mind, and soul

Sports are good for your health and your overall well-being. The benefits of exercise are well known. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress levels, enhance concentration, improve sleep, alleviate depression, and even increase longevity. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun! Find out what makes football, hockey, basketball, or soccer so appealing and why you should try them! For more detailed information on any sports team in Canada visit our website at www.canadaz.ca.

Benefits for physical health

Physical activity will burn calories. People who regularly participate in sports or exercise have fewer body fats and more lean muscle, all of which help with weight loss and control. Those with obesity or overweight may experience a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes if they exercise regularly. (1). (2) These benefits are especially important for those with chronic conditions such as heart disease. For example, most Americans get about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each day—like walking or biking—with no equipment (3). That's just over two hours per week. (4) People who don't get enough exercise in today's society still have an increased risk of developing major chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. (5)

Benefits for mental health and cognitive function

Regular physical activity can boost mood as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. It helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Other factors such as social isolation, poor nutrition, and alcohol use can lead to changes in physical behavior like being sedentary. For people with mental illness, exercise can provide relief from symptoms such as stress, anxiety, anger, and nervousness. In addition, exercise improves attention, concentration, and memory. People who engage in regular physical activity also tend to do less harm than individuals not involved in recreational activities. (7)

Benefits for bone health

Inactivity increases the amount of time spent on work, school, and housework, which can cause further strain on bones. Physical activity can help maintain strong, healthy bones by increasing calcium absorption. This helps build stronger teeth, bones, and muscles and reduces the risks of osteoporosis later in life. (8)

Improving self-esteem and confidence

Regular exercises, including cardiovascular exercise, strengthen the body's immune system as well as the whole person's. They also promote general physical fitness and a positive attitude toward everyday tasks. Regular exercise can create a feeling of accomplishment among children and youth for whom physical activities are an important part of their development. This will help establish the importance of physical health and encourage healthy behaviors for more years into adulthood. Some examples include playing golf, doing yardwork or gardening, swimming, dancing, and tennis.

Benefits for brain health

Research shows that engaging in high amounts of physical activity can improve brain power and function. Not only do physical activities help keep your body healthy, but exercise also improves your mood, energy levels, memory, focus, and reaction time. If you're looking for ways to stay physically active and mentally focused then look no further than soccer. When you play games with others, you'll naturally build teamwork skills that are key for maintaining a sense of community. There have also been studies that show people who exercise regularly live longer because exercise enhances the quality of sleep and reduces the risk of many common illnesses. Another study found that exercising regularly may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. (9) This is because exercise releases endorphins—chemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to benefit the brain. Exercise also activates a protein called chaperone, helping to regulate the release of these chemicals in the brain for several days after a workout. A 2006 review states that individuals who exercise are likely to experience better mental health and lower levels of depression, stress, anxiety, and other disorders. (10)

The importance of physical activity

For decades, it was considered normal to sit for long periods while watching television or using machines. However, modern technology has changed this and physical activity has become encouraged. Many households now own televisions, computers, and smart phones, making it easy to get together for family gatherings. Adults also find themselves spending more time in front of computers and cell phones. Studies have shown that adults who spend 10 or more hours a week online are more likely to develop serious problems such as hypertension in later years. (11) Regular exercise will help to avoid some of these negative consequences. According to one report, people who engage in high levels of exercise have up to 30% more energy than inactive participants. Furthermore, regular exercise promotes better-thinking skills, reduces feelings of tiredness, boosts immunity, and maintains an appropriate weight. (12) All of these mental abilities are critical for life expectancy and overall happiness. So get off the couch and hit the gym for yourself!

How sports events fit into my schedule

Every year there are thousands of different sports competitions and tournaments throughout North America, especially when we take into account holidays and weekends. Even though we have many sporting organizations across Canada, here are a few things that should motivate you to get moving:

Sports are entertaining; they are motivating. Whether it's at home, at school, or work, sports offer many opportunities to bring people together and bond over shared interests and passions. Whether it's watching a professional athlete compete or cheering on your favorite teams during matches, the world of competitive sports is filled with exciting challenges, interesting personalities, thrilling competition, and friendly competition. Each new season brings new opportunities, excitement, and friendships for all levels of participation and age. Sports often promote camaraderie. Most sports teams are made up of friends. And while teammates may share opposing views on certain topics, they often come from similar backgrounds and thus understand each other well. As the saying goes “if it wasn't for baseball and politics, maybe I wouldn't have friends anymore.” It makes every game different. We're constantly bombarded with messages about how to train harder, eat healthier, and run faster. While they've never won anything over me or anybody else, it seems like these messages keep popping up everywhere; at times creating tension between athletes. Yes, sports are fun and entertaining, but the fact remains that there is much more to life than running or hitting balls on the court. What does make a difference? Health. Why start training and eating healthy when there are other things that matter? Of course, there are sports where physical strength and speed aren't necessarily relevant, but there are plenty where dedication, hard work, and commitment go a long way. Sports allow us to enjoy nature and connect with others. Getting outside for a walk or hike might get your body moving, but we haven't always had access to parks and beautiful wilderness areas. Now there are more options available—whether outdoors, indoors, or somewhere in between. You aren't limited by space, distance, or weather. With some ingenuity, it's possible to get outside just about anywhere. No matter what kind of outdoor place you choose, whether it's in town or the country. Whatever your preferred environment, there are countless sports for people in all situations, from local leagues to collegiate athletics. Here are three types of sports with specific rules and regulations: 1. Outdoor sports. Playing some form of the open-field event on an unheated surface. This could be a park or field, a small town or city park, or even an outdoor adventure and camping area. Examples are hiking and fishing. An example of indoor sports includes volleyball, indoor rock climbing, and water skiing. 2. Indoor sports. At a practice or contest involving a group of players with coaches. Examples are track and gymnastics. 3. High-contact sports. During high-intensity practices and competitions in a stadium or arena. 4. Ice hockey/ice skating. Hockey and ice skating involves a large number of skaters competing against each other. 5. Competitive outdoor activities. Sports clubs. Team sports. Running club. Martial arts club. Fielding club. 6. Track & field. Athletics involve jumping, throwing, sprinting, kicking, throwing, and catching. 7. Basketball – NBA, WNBA, or MLS. Basketball plays an integral role in shaping the lives of millions of young men and women. 9. Boxing. Similar to boxing, however, with some differences. Football is played in a half-court format for a fixed duration. Unlike boxing, fighting is often done without gloves or padded clothing. Players who play soccer wear cleats, and throw the ball with their arms. Tennis involves three sets – men’s singles, mixed doubles, and women’s singles. Men’s singles play serves against the baseline and serve. Mixed doubles consist of both singles and doubles. Women’s singles are served by either team against the net. Like rugby, wrestling allows 15 men to wrestle, with each man challenging his opponent. Gymnastic activities include diving, trampoline, acrobatics, balance beam, and pommel horse. Figure Skating involves gliding down a rotating track with a partner, which requires considerable balance. Figure Skating is performed in pairs, where each member must catch the opposite-side skate, usually spinning. Squash combines elements of agility and strength with lifting. Freestyle Wrestling is another highly unique style of combat. It combines physical prowess with athleticism and skill. Figure Skating has a very fast pace compared to boxing and wrestling. Judo is another kind of martial art. Competitors perform several rounds, usually performing throws in unison. Diving involves submerging into the water with a specialized suit known as a scuba diving device. Scuba divers are required to remain underwater as little as 12 feet below the surface. Other competitions include figure skates, snowboarding, surfing, windsurfing, freestyle boogie, bungee jumping, aqua dancing, and aerialists. These competitions allow people to test their limits in various settings