Are you tired of swallowing pills or dreading those routine doctor visits to manage high blood pressure? Researchers in Europe have come up with an unusual yet effective prescription: play soccer a couple of times a week.
This exciting study found that when men with hypertension played soccer twice a week for about an hour each time, their blood pressure typically normalized, their stroke risk diminished, and their physical fitness improved significantly. A previous study found a similar benefit for women.
Unexpected health benefits of soccer
Lead researcher Professor Peter Krustup explains, “The soccer training also boosted the aerobic fitness and resulted in marked improvements in both maximal and moderate exercise capacity.” Playing soccer not only made it easier for previously untrained men to train even harder but also helped them cope with everyday activities such as cycling, walking upstairs, shopping, and lawn mowing.
Regular exercise has long been known to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Soccer, as a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sport, strengthens the heart, improving blood flow and helping lower blood pressure. Apart from being a fun way to stay fit, playing soccer also strengthens muscles, enhances coordination, and increases an individual’s aerobic capacity.
Winning against hypertension with soccer
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke – two leading causes of death worldwide. According to the American Heart Association, over 103 million Americans suffer from hypertension.
Do you need to start building your soccer team to score against high blood pressure? The good news is, you don’t need to be a star athlete or even remotely gifted in soccer to reap the health benefits. The study in question involved men and women who were previously untrained.
As mentioned earlier, soccer is a form of HIIT, which is characterized by short bursts of intense exercise with brief recoveries in-between. The rapid changes in pace and direction during a soccer game provide an intense cardio workout. These quick, intense bursts translate to more efficient oxygen uptake, leading to improved cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
Jam-packed with health benefits
Playing soccer does not just help manage hypertension; it has numerous other health advantages. Here are five more ways soccer can benefit your overall health:
- Improves mental and cognitive functioning: Soccer enhances cognitive skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. The mental and physical coordination needed in the game keeps the brain cells healthy and lowers the risk of cognitive decline.
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Weight loss: Soccer is an excellent calorie-burning sport that helps individuals lose weight. The high-intensity training incorporated in soccer gameplay helps players burn fat, increase metabolism, and build muscle.
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Boosts mood: Soccer, like any other physical activity, has been proven to improve mental health. The release of endorphins during exercise triggers a positive feeling in the body, reducing stress and easing anxiety.
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Strengthens bones: Playing soccer promotes bone health by aiding in the formation and strengthening of bones. Soccer players typically develop greater bone mineral density, which lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
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Develops social skills and builds teamwork: Soccer teaches the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration. This encourages players to build strong social networks and friendships on and off the field.
Individuals with hypertension and other individuals seeking an effective way to improve overall health should consider incorporating soccer into their fitness routine. With its multitude of health benefits and proven success in managing high blood pressure, soccer could provide the right prescription for a healthy lifestyle. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of tackling blood pressure issues while enjoying a fun and engaging game?
Talk to your doctor before swapping your medication for soccer
Of course, while soccer could help lower blood pressure and provide a thriving and energetic opportunity to manage hypertension, consult your doctor before making any drastic changes to your current treatment plan. Discuss any concerns or questions and see how you can effectively integrate soccer into your exercise regimen – whether you’re a fan of the sport or just starting.
Remember that it’s crucial not to eliminate prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Engaging in soccer could boost the body’s response to medication, but combining both exercise and medication under expert guidance is crucial for optimal results.
So, for anyone considering taking the field to combat hypertension, get your doctor on board, grab your soccer cleats, and lead a fitter and healthier life.
