Playing a sport is something most Americans six or older have done. In fact, a study done in 2023 by Sports Destination Management shows that a total of 242 million people in the United States – nearly 80% of all Americans aged six or older – participated in at least one sports or fitness activity in the year of 2023. In related studies, this information adds to the fact that numerous health benefits can be found from playing sports. 

Personally, when I started playing sports I was around 7-years-old. I was not aware at that time of the amazing health benefits that can come from playing sports at a young age up into adulthood. Now that I am aware, I am confident I would have started even earlier and dedicated myself even more. 

The physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional benefits of playing a sport is something everyone should be informed of. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are numerous benefits in the physical realm. Some of these include maintaining a healthy weight, cardiac benefits, reduced chance of obesity, improved endurance from competition, and an increase in overall health. By cardiac benefits, I am referring to a stronger heart muscle, improved blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, and a better cholesterol profile.  

 Participating in cheer has helped me build endurance and stay active and fit during school. Some other personal benefits have included my mental state as well, such as improved concentration and better focus. I have also been more calm. Some other mental benefits I have seen in myself include better communication skills, better time management, alertness, better handling of stress, and improved memory. 

I think playing sports is such a worthwhile endeavor, partially because of the benefits and partially because of the experience. One thing I love about playing organized sports is that you can make friendships and bonds that last lifetimes. You can also build a good community to surround yourself with and lean on those people in times of hardship. Friends and bonds can help you in different areas of your life as well, and that is one of the social benefits of playing organized sports. Social benefits can be just as important as other types of benefits.  

Socializing with people that we connect with and bond with can lead us to a better life and support us mentally and emotionally. 

From an academic standpoint, I think I could definitely say it’s difficult managing school with sports, but it can absolutely be done. While it is difficult to keep up with everything, it also teaches you better time management skills and can really help you in the future. You learn to prioritize what’s most important and the little things can come later. I think exercising and doing sports also can help clear your mind, and that can be seen as a silver lining because then you can focus on your schoolwork and give it your full attention.

I have definitely improved on my time management skills, and I now am able to prioritize what’s important before the less-dire things. I have definitely been positively affected by my sport, and it has helped me to lead a better life. The many benefits from participating in organized sports can affect everyone, and can help all.