6 REASONS WHY TEAM SPORTS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

It feels good to be part of a team. Now researchers have found that it’s also a boost to your overall health and well-being. Team sports not only help you get in shape and stay that way, but also are a great way to connect with people from different backgrounds and become part of a larger community. Now, several studies have revealed other holistic benefits of participating in team sports.

TEAM SPORTS REDUCE OBESITY AND INCREASE OVERALL HEALTH

With obesity at an all-time high, it is essential to participate in physical activities, especially if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk. You should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week, which helps avoid such chronic diseases as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease, according to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. But with work (and life) getting in the way, that’s easier said than done. Joining a local kickball, dodgeball or basketball league can help you commit to meeting those guidelines week after week.

ATHLETES WHO TRAIN WITH A TEAM ARE HEALTHIER

Not only does being part of a team give you access to health professionals, but also provides a built-in support system that can rally around you when you are pursuing specific health goals. It seems that teamwork is a good tool for improving an athlete’s overall health.

​BEING PART OF A TEAM ENHANCES SELF-IMAGE

If you feel good about how you look, it may help you feel good about who you are. Athletes who participate in club sports exhibit improved self-esteem. They also report fewer depressive symptoms, in part because of the positive social interactions that team sports create.

COMPETITION IMPROVES ENDURANCE

Routine physical activity is key in building endurance. In turn, endurance builds cardiac strength. Additionally, exercise builds bone density and increases muscle mass — all of which contribute to optimal health.

​TEAM SPORTS INCREASE LONG-TERM HAPPINESS

Athletes who play team sports are healthier — and more satisfied with life. One study found that physical activity (specifically playing sports) had a significant influence on the life satisfaction of participants. Part of this may be that being a part of a team gives athletes a sense of belonging. The social interaction produces strong feelings of self-identity, which increase happiness.

​TEAM SPORTS MAKE YOU SMARTER

Athletes often have higher GPAs than non-athletes, and one study found that 97 percent of team athletes graduated from high school — which is 10 percent more than students who did not participate in team sports.

So what are you waiting for?! Get your Nike 3ON3 team together and we'll see you in 2021!