Whether you’re naturally a sporty person or not, there are so many positive reasons to take one up, that it almost seems crazy not to! 

With many sports and physical activities costing little to participate in, and requiring only time and a moderate level of fitness, taking one up isn’t beyond most of our means. But if you don’t gravitate towards sports as an individual, what might convince you to do so?

If you’re considering taking up a sport in which injuries are commonplace (such as contact sports, cycling or running for example), a comprehensive sports insurance policy can help you worry less about the risk of injury, and how you will cope should you sustain one. 

Read on to discover 8 positive reasons to make sport a part of your life:

It can help you control your weight

With obesity increasing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, taking up a sport could help you keep your weight in check by burning excess calories swiftly and efficiently. 

It can help lower high blood pressure

High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a significant health risk globally, and if left unchecked, can go on to cause a variety of health problems, including a stroke. By participating in physical activity on a regular basis, you can help maintain a healthy blood pressure. 

It can lower your cholesterol levels

Research over the decades has consistently shown that those who participate in regular physical activity, tend to have lower cholesterol levels than those who don’t have such an active lifestyle. 

It can improve your blood circulation

A wide range of physical activities that encourage your heart to beat faster, can also help you maintain a healthier lifestyle by keeping your body well oxygenated. The additional load placed upon your heart muscles while being physically active can also help to increase your haemoglobin count and volume of blood. 

It can strengthen your immunity

Did you known that when you exercise, the flow rate of white blood cells in your body increases significantly? As you sweat, harmful toxins get flushed out of your body, and the rise in your body temperature also helps to reduce the risk of bacteria growing. 

It can help strengthen your muscles

Who wouldn’t want to take part in a sport and have a little competitive fun, while getting a free muscle work-out at the same time? By regularly participating in such sports as football, tennis and basketball (among many others), you can both tone your muscles, and strengthen them, while also burning fat. However, it’s important to recognize that if you’re new to a sport, or fail to train adequately before engaging in it, you run a much higher risk of injuring yourself. While this should of course be avoided, sometimes sporting injuries are a part of life, and provided you have sufficient injury coverage and seek support from the best insurance provider, this shouldn’t be a reason to avoid sport and miss out on all of these incredible benefits.

It can help strengthen your bones

As well as strengthening your muscles, sports can also help strengthen your bones. When your bones are placed under stress during sporting activities, they adapt to be able to withstand the load stress by becoming denser, and in turn, stronger. 

It can help strengthen your mind

Lastly, the mental benefits of sports are often overlooked. Aside from the endorphins that are released when you engage in physical activity, sports can help you relax, feel good about yourself, help you make decisions, and even give your self-esteem a well-deserved boost. 

Taking up a sport is a great way to help your body and mind feel at its best, no matter what life throws at you. Just be mindful that some sports increase the risk of injury, but by having adequate sports injury insurance coverage, you can minimize the worry and increase the health benefits!