The topic I am doing for this project is Sports and its effects on ones health.

According to the
internet, sport is defined as an activity involving physical activity and skill in which an
individual or team competes against another or others, but are there any real benefits to partaking
in sports other than an improved physical appearance? As a matter of fact there are numerous
other benefits.
Everyone aspires to have a well toned, muscular body with as little fat as possible and
that is one of the benefits that sports provide, but sports also helps with ones mental health.
Sport acts a stress reliever sports can promote stress relief and help alleviate stress related
illnesses such as insomnia and anxiety. Physical activity also burns off excess amounts of the
stress hormone, adrenaline, which can alleviate tension and help promote relaxation. Sports also
help to improve ones mood. Exercise stimulates the production of mood-enhancing
neurotransmitters and brain chemicals like endorphins. In addition, some studies have shown that
regular exercise alters the amount of serotonin in your brain, possibly helping solve off mental
illnesses like depression. Sports can also help boost ones self-esteem through promoting
feelings of accomplishment. According to the Association of Applied Sport and Psychology,
playing sports helps you take pride in your achievements and feel more confident in your
physical abilities. Playing sports reduces social isolation and allows you an opportunity to make
new friends and forget about your worries while having fun with others.
The positive, direct effects of engaging in regular physical activity are particularly
apparent in the prevention of several chronic diseases including cardio-vascular disease,
diabetes, cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, depression and osteoporosis.
Physical activity is very beneficial to young people as it contributes to developing health bones,
efficient heart and lung functions as well as improved motor skills and cognitive functions.
Physical activity can help to prevent hip fractures among women and reduce the effects of
osteoporosis. Remaining physically active can enhance functional activity among older people,
and can help to maintain quality of life and independence. A number of studies have shown that
exercise may play a therapeutic role in addressing a number of psychological disorders. Physical
self-worth and physical self-perception, including body image, has been linked to improved selfesteem.

Research studies have shown that those who participate in sports do better academically than
those who dont partake in sports. Also, the amount of time spent partaking in sports weekly will
be a determinant in whether they receive positive outcome from their participation. Those who
spend more time in sports develop better mastery of skills and superior knowledge of tactics and
strategy. This can lead to the development of strategic thinking which is helpful in all aspects of
life, including the ability to find and excel in the job market. Making commitments over time
facilitates the likelihood that they overcome challenges and obstacles in their life. This is an
important aspect of developing imitative, an internal strength that lasts a lifetime.
Another study found that youths who participated in sports and school clubs had lower rates of
depression than those who focused exclusively on sports. Other studies suggest that those who
participate in activities that present real-world challenges, like voluntary community services,
encourage youths to develop a civic identity and see a world beyond a game of winning and
losing.
Some of the long term effects of sports are:
The appetite for sweets disappears
Each time you move, the brain receives oxygen and the thinking process is
improved.
Your strength and resistance increases this causing everything you lifts to seem
lighter.
The body feels better and personal image can improve. This is the result of the
rejuvenation of nerves.
The chances of getting sick are slim
Parts of the fat have been transformed into muscle
Your bones are more stable and walking is a lot easier.

While the positives of partaking in sports outweigh the negatives; one should still be aware of the
negative aspects of sports. Some negatives to partaking in sports are:
1. Athletes may develop aggressive traits. like bullying, and the need to dominate their
opponent on and off the field
2. Failure to make the team may result in the athlete feeling unhappy

3. The decision to play sports with the intensity and continuity required to be highly
successful must be made with long and short-term consequences in mind
4. Injuries often occur as while participating in sports, even with the right technique. This is
particularly true when they play contact sports. Those who suffer injuries might be
hesitant to take the field in competitive situations again
5. The high expectance level of the parents or authority figure put undue pressure on the
athletes performance. They may pressure the young athletes by telling them what they
expect out of their performance or by saying that the familys or institution`s reputation
or name is on the line.
6. The emphasis on outcome can also result in the athletes perception of having poor
abilities, a detachment to their team, and a feeling of vulnerability in the presence of
teammates.
7. Studies have found a link between sports and sport-related injuries, as well as eating
disorders.
8. The literature also suggests that at increasingly younger ages, athletes, especially girls are
becoming more concerned with their body image.

If you cannot make it to the professional ranks, which most of us can only dream about, we can
stay in the field of sports that we love by choosing a career in a sport-related field. There is a
large variety of careers in sports-occupational areas, and prospects are increasing as more people
play and watch sports. These are a few sports career to choose from:

Exercise Physiologist you can work in wellness, training, testing and research and

other related fields.

Sports Training personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach and fitness

instructors.
Sports Medicine medical practitioners, physiotherapists, physical therapist, sports

trainer
Sports Dietician a career co-ordinating food and athletes
Sports Coach
Education teaching our youngsters about sport, health and fitness
Sports Official there would be no sport without umpires and referees.
Sport Psychologist gets into the minds of athletes.
Biomechanics
Sport Journalist

Administration work with any sport as an assistant or facilities manager

Sport Photography
Sports Marketing Promotional aspects, including the jobs as a Sports Agent selling
fitness products.

The information above indicates that it is of greater reliability because the information presented
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