Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your physical health, boost your sense of wellbeing or simply make new friends, taking part in sporting activities can be a great way of keeping fit and achieving your goals. In the UK, the most popular sporting activities include running, attending fitness classes, attending gym sessions and hiking – whatever sporting activity you’re thinking of getting involved with, you’re sure to reap the physical and mental benefits, but why is sport so beneficial for the mind, body and soul?   

Increased Physical Fitness And Improved Mental Health –

 Undertaking sporting activities as part of an exercise regime can provide countless benefits, from a  reduced risk of cardiovascular disease to an improvement in your overall fitness levels, mental health and sense of wellbeing. You can expect to reap the benefits of sport and regular exercise relatively quickly, especially if you stick to the regime and maintain a healthy diet.    

Sports Can Help You To Make Friends – 

Taking part in sporting activities is a surefire way to hone your social skills, build self-esteem and forge lasting friendships that can positively affect your life in the long run. Considering the inherent sociability and team-building ethos associated with sporting activities, it’s no surprise that many people sign up with a gym or sporting club as a means of making friends upon moving to a new city. 

Team Sports Can Help To Build Confidence And Social Skills – 

While any sports club or casual sporting activity is ripe with the potential for healthy social interaction, there’s a particular sociability that naturally occurs in team/competitive/community sports such as rugby, skiing, football, cricket and relay running. Whether you feel like getting your head down in a scrum, running in a pack or channelling your inner Mo Salah on the 5-a-side football pitch, you could find that your leadership skills, confidence and sense of wellbeing skyrocket once you sign up and are encouraged by a team.  

Regular Exercise Promotes Good Health And Can Prolong Your Life – 

Along with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise is essential for good health and fitness. By exercising regularly and playing sports, you’ll not only feel better in your body and mind but you’ll also reduce the likelihood of suffering from major illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and stroke.