The world is chasing a ball. Metaphorically one can say that we are running after a football filled with the breath of life. There is life in that run. Because that run also keeps you healthy. Football is a sport that offers a complete workout to the body (football exercise). The fact that it is a cheap sport, as well as one of the most popular sports in the world, makes football extremely exciting. How does football help in exercising our body from head to toe:
Running for heart
Running at different speeds on the field rather than in a specific direction increases blood circulation. It is estimated that a football player runs at least 8-11 km during a match. Playing football is equivalent to muscular strength exercises (anaerobic) such as running at high speed and lifting weights. As these types of exercises help to burn body fat as much as possible, the risk of heart disease and the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels are eliminated.
Breathing exercise
Lungs get a great workout by playing football. It is as beneficial as doing Aerobic exercises that help in strengthening the respiratory system. Long exhalations and maximal inhalations exercise the lungs.
For muscles and bones
Running faster and changing direction quickly helps in strengthening the core muscles. Repetitive running puts more load on the bones, and this increases the strength of the bones. The bone framework of the body will be strengthened.
Cuts CVD risk
A 2015 study conducted by the University of Copenhagen found that those who spent 12 weeks training for soccer increased oxygen uptake in their bodies by 10 to 15 percent. Also, the study says that cardiovascular diseases can be reduced by up to 50 percent.
Arms movement
Although arms don’t get a separate workout while playing football, it gets a lot of movement during running. This is equivalent to giving mobility exercises to the arms. Some of the moves in the competition, including the throw-in, are exercises that help in stretching the arms as much as possible.
Brain, Intelligence
Football isn’t just about running around. During the run, the opponents move, and the position of our own teammates should be calculated, and the ball should be passed and blocked accordingly. It provides intellectual exercise. It increases the coordination between the mind and thinking. The time spent on the field can help in boosting a person's confidence as well as reduce mental stress. Since football is a team game, it also enhances teamwork.
Maximum workout for legs
Legs get the maximum workout while running. It increases mobility. The joints will also get the exercise they need.
Burning 780 calories
A study conducted by Harvard Health shows that football helps to reduce calories in the body. According to the study, a person weighing 70 kg can burn up to 780 calories by playing football for 90 minutes.
(Information courtesy: Dr. Vinay Jaysan Chacko Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi.)
