Sports are not just for athletes anymore! Many people these days want to play sport as a hobby or pastime. This has led to a revival of long-time outdoor and indoor activities such as running, walking, hiking, fishing, cycling, skateboarding, basketball, tennis and lawn bowling. Sports are one of the most popular hobbies in the world, with children numbering in the billions worldwide. Sports can be broadly classified into two main areas: physical contact sports and self-contact sports.
A good example of a physical contact sport is swimming. Water has always been regarded as an ideal sport for people of all ages and physical abilities. Water is an excellent exercise for the body and can help strengthen muscles and reduce stress. For those who don’t fancy water-based activities, there is always the opportunity to engage in more traditional outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing and fishing. Some sports promote mental and physical dexterity, using the head, upper body and limbs in particular ways.
Medicine, also known as the medical profession, has become a popular spectator sport over the last few decades, with several TV shows based around amateur and professional sport medicine itself. The scope of medicine is vast, and it offers various specialisations within it. One example of a specific area of medicine is orthopedics, which deals with disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the spine. Sports medicine is another big area, offering treatments and therapies for a wide range of conditions arising from participation in sports and other physical activities.
Not all sports promote overall health, though. As, well as medicine, there are many different activities that promote general wellbeing and can help prevent diseases and conditions that may arise in the future. Some forms of sport can even be considered as being preventative, since many include high levels of physical exertion and challenge the immune system. For example, competitive physical activity such as athletics and rugby, in order to build up the strength and stamina of the body, as well as helping to reduce the risk of injury, can generally be regarded as helping to reduce the likelihood of many chronic and age-related diseases.
In non-physical disciplines, there are also a variety of different ways to promote mental well-being. There are many different types of games and competitions that offer mental stimulation and challenge to those taking part. Most international sports competitions give extra consideration to the mental health and well-being of the competitors. Some of the most popular games include bridge, billiards, chess, bingo, arts and crafts, pool, racquetball, skiing, rugby and softball. In non-physical sports, yoga and dance can be considered as mind sports, since they encourage concentration, focus and calmness, which are important in achieving greater mental awareness.
While participating in any form of physical activity is beneficial for the mind, many people who have physical limitations find it difficult to enjoy their favorite sport. Fortunately, many people with physical disabilities are able to take part in a variety of different sports. Since sports help build up the strength and stamina of the body and improve cardiovascular efficiency, they are an excellent method of promoting overall physical fitness. The development of the mind, along with enhanced agility and coordination, also promotes self-confidence. Many people who participate in the development of their mind and body are able to continue to participate in physical activities later on in life, as well as take part in volunteer work or community service. Since there are numerous options to choose from, everyone can find a type of disabled sports that suits their particular needs.