People go to great lengths (and pay a lot of money) to achieve eternal youth. Anti-aging cosmetic or skin care products, supplements and elixirs. But two new studies find you only need a little. Scientists recently shared their findings and revealed which sports are most beneficial for health. It turns out that all you have to do is buy a racket.
ContentWhich sports are most beneficial for your health: choose a racquet They involve the whole body They are safe They provide mental stimulation They involve social interaction
WomanEL reminds that regular physical activity can improve health and move the needle towards increasing life expectancy. But new research shows that racquet sport comes out on top in terms of increasing life expectancy.
Which sports are most beneficial for health: choose a racquet
To live a long life, play badminton, tennis or pickleball, Source: freepik.com
Research results from 2018 and 2022 showed found that participants who frequently played racquet sports (namely tennis, badminton, and pickleball) had longer life expectancies.
Their data was compared with those who took part in other activities such as running, cycling and swimming.
But why does racquet sport contribute to longer life more than other forms of movement? Let's delve into this question.
They use the whole body
Racquet sports require muscles throughout the body to perform multiple simultaneous actions, such as sprinting and lunging to hit the ball. These movements are also a great way to strengthen your upper body and legs, as well as improve your balance, reflexes, and overall mobility.
Dr. Valter Longo, director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, shared on the official website of The Blue Zones that the most important factor in physical health is working hard in all parts of the body. Research shows that multi-component training improves overall physical function, muscle strength, walking speed and aerobic capacity. They are an effective way to prevent falls and adverse conditions as you age—all of which point to a healthier, longer life.
They safe
Racquet sports are relatively low-impact, making them suitable for all ages and reducing the risk of injury while providing a vigorous workout. Unlike high-intensity, high-impact exercise, low-impact training allows you to focus more on form without causing wear and tear on your joints. According to a 2020 study, consistent moderate activity maintains cardiovascular health and increases life expectancy.
A 2022 JAMA Network Open study came to a similar conclusion. People who reported very high levels of participation in higher-intensity activities (such as running, swimming, and aerobic activity) had a slightly higher risk of mortality compared with those who reported more moderate levels.
They provide mental stimulation
The benefits don't stop at your physical health; They are also good for mental health. The strategic nature of racquet sports challenges your brain, improving neural connections that help support cognitive function as you age. A 2022 JAMA Network Open study found that racquet sports also require hand-eye coordination, which can further improve physical functioning. Mental stimulation and regular exercise have been shown to improve cognitive health, keep your mind sharp, and promote longevity.
They involve social interaction
You can't play racquet sports alone (after all, someone has to hit the ball), which in itself is beneficial. Scientists from a 2018 Mayo Clinic Proceedings study concluded that sports that involve more social interaction are associated with better longevity. Another study found that strong social connections lead to a 50 percent increased chance of longevity. Additionally, having a strong, positive social community is one of the pillars of the longest lasting Blue Zones.
If the sport isn't a great fit for you, don't worry! Prefer this simple workout.
