Sports and Fitness. The new age mantra for a relatively healthy body and a relaxed mind. The benefits of indulging in Sports are being inculcated in the minds of thousands of individuals worldwide. These benefits are not restricted to age or any particular socio economic strata of society. Sports is holistic. It transcends all borders, castes and religion to strengthen the Mind, the Body and the Soul. Beneficiaries are thus countless.
It was predictably in Greece that sports were first instituted formally, with the first Olympics recorded in 776 BC in Olympia, where they were celebrated until 393 AD. History has been witness to Sports being highly regarded and worshipped under the patronage of the Norse God Tyr. Sports have been clinically proven to alleviate certain therapeutic conditions. According to the Hong Kong Sports Institute, participating in regular bouts of physical activity or playing sports is one of the best forms of preventive medicine, reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. It can also help to reduce your blood pressure, help you quit smoking, lower your risk of diabetes, manage your weight, improve your work capacity and enhance your quality of life. A wide range of sports and related activities like figure skating, gymnastics, dance, aerobics and Yoga improve your flexibility and range of motion while simultaneously strengthening the muscles that stabilize your joints. Sports though have been played since ages. But has been mastered and innovated through the centuries. New applications, methods, skills, attire change with every passing generation. Sports now has donned a glamorous avatar But the very essence of supporting a healthy living is still very much intact.
As we extol on the virtues of Sports and a regular practice of the same, we must also keep a very important aspect in mind. Like all other things, Sports is also to be done in moderation. One can suffer from moderate to severe injuries due to sports overexertion or unsupervised practices. The most common forms of Sports Injuries are;
Muscle Pull
Neck Pain
Shoulder Impingement
Lower Back Strain
Tennis Elbow
Runners Knee
Shin Splints
Ankle Sprain
Achilles Tendinitis
Arch Pain
Life is fun and it should continue to be so. Why live in isolation, away from your loved ones for fear of not being able to engage in group activities or daily chores and exercise. A healthy diet, regular sports or movement can work wonders in improving your overall health. So the next time you try a new TV dinner, try out a new sport or simply take a new route to jog. Bring back the healthy you. You are worth it!