Benefit of Sports

Written by: Ekaterina Ageeva

In a society increasingly dedicated to the quest for physical and mental fitness, the biological advantages of sports stand out as a beacon of health and vitality. Beyond the excitement of competition and the satisfaction of achievement, participating in sports has a profound impact on our bodies and minds. From strengthening cardiovascular health to boosting cognitive function, the biological rewards of engaging in sports are truly remarkable. During exercise millions of processes take place inside of our body, the release of hormones by our brain is one of many.

Any physical activity/workout can be dissected into distinct stages, at which separate processes take place. During the first 5 minutes of exercising, we experience a gradual increase in heart rate which causes blood to circulate around our body at a quicker rate, more nutrients and oxygen gets delivered to our brain. As a result, this dynamic commencement of activity not only primes our body but also nurtures the growth of fresh neurons, paving the way for cognitive enhancement and vitality.

In the next stage, 20-30 minutes into the workout, our brain starts to release endocannabinoid hormones. Their function is to balance out the stress levels in our body caused by physical exhaustion and to reinforce positive associations with exercise. Same chemicals are produced during enjoyable moments in our lives when we have fun with friends or try delicious foods, making us want to repeat things that we have done previously. While most believe that endorphins are the cause of post-gym satisfaction, endocannabinoids make the biggest contribution towards that feeling.

60 minutes after exercising BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) production increases, this molecule stimulates growth and differentiation of neurons and synapses. As of today, there is still a lot to learn about BNDF yet we still know that it’s highly concentrated in parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and learning. Decreased levels of BNDF are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. It is proven that exercising decreases risks of developing listed diseases by 30%.

2-4 hours after the exercise the “happy” hormones serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine start to kick in. Serotonin together with endorphins reduces the levels of cortisol - the stress hormone and regulate our mental health. Dopamine gives you the “runner’s high” feeling while also positively affecting your mental flexibility and working memory. Norepinephrine chemical improves ability to pay attention and focus on tasks. As a matter of fact, many surgeons are known to exercise on mornings before surgery in order to stay alert and maintain steady hands throughout the whole process.

In the long run, exercise helps prevent brain shrinkage that starts around the age of 40, it acts as a catalyst, amplifying the presence of insulin-like growth factor, which, in turn, serves as a stabilizing force for blood sugar levels. Exercise also extends our “healthspan”, ensuring a prolonged and vibrant quality of life.

Besides all of the biological benefits we can withdraw from sports there are also social ones. Team sports usually enhance resilience, empathy, confidence and empowerment, while also reducing reckless behaviors. Moreover, any form of physical activity imparts to us a wealth of improved mental health and enhanced stress-coping abilities, invaluable assets for navigating the challenges of our daily life.

In summary, sports and exercise offer a holistic wellspring of benefits that extend beyond physical health. They nurture our bodies, sharpen our minds, and enrich our social connections. Through the journey of movement, we not only defy the effects of aging but also empower ourselves with resilience, empathy, and lasting vitality. In this dynamic pursuit, we unlock the keys to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

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Citations: vernomwilliamsmd cnet.com sciencetrek.org