Sport Related Eating And Exercise
Sport (or physical sport) is any form of typically competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual participation, attempt to utilize, improve or maintain specific physical skill and/or ability while also providing entertainment for participants, and sometimes, spectators. In many societies and cultures around the world sport is a significant source of social interaction and recreational activity. In the United States, professional sport has developed as a major source of revenue for American companies and organizations. Today, many people engage in regular exercise to maintain or increase fitness levels, while others play games such as tennis, racquetball, soccer, handball or American football to engage in physical competition with other players.
One major benefit of regular physical activity is increased health and well being. It has been demonstrated that participation in sport and regular exercise improves overall health and reduces the risk of common chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity. Additionally, competition in sports requires skilled performance from athletes. Athletes who engage in competitive eating and weight lifting are more likely to develop and maintain a high level of fitness than their less active counterparts.
A major disadvantage of participating in sports is the associated cost. Participating in sports can often require the purchase of athletic gear, training gear, and sometimes even medical treatment from a personal trainer or doctor. In some extreme cases, depending on the sport, professional sports leagues mandate the use of specialized equipment. Athletes who participate in sports that require specialized equipment may not be able to compete without it, placing them at a substantial disadvantage in athletic competitions.
Another negative aspect of participating in sports is its effect on mental health and well being. Sport mentally prepares individuals for the rigors of competition by removing the pressure of losing or winning. However, prolonged periods of time spent in active physical exertion can deplete body resources and contribute to poor overall mental health. When an individual participates in sport-related activities, they experience both immediate satisfaction after the competition or event is over. Therefore, sport related activities can be effective in providing self fulfilling recreation, but those who do not actively participate in sport-related activities may not find the mental health benefits of the game as rewarding.
The debate surrounding the “effects” of sport on mental health has been around for years. The consistent answer to this question is that there are limited research and very little scientific data to support or oppose the idea that competition or event involvement can have an effect on mood, behavior or other psychological aspects of an athlete or participant. While there is no consensus opinion, there is a strong possibility that the athlete may be prone to experiencing mood swings or even experiencing anxiety or depression following a competition or event. This is likely due to the “quick wins” of the competition, which provides the winner with a sense of euphoria and confidence that he or she” Won!” Unfortunately, this rush of chemicals in the brain can lead to unhealthy behavior patterns and a lack of self control.
Whether or not sport related mood swings and anxiety are caused by sport related mental health effects is still unclear. The verdict on sport related eating behavior and eating habits in relation to sport participation may not be able to be drawn simply by stating that the person participating in the sport ate more food and exercised more. There is a strong need for more research in this area. If you are an athlete who is concerned about how sport related eating and exercise affect your health, you should talk to your doctor about possible side effects that you could experience if you participated in a sport related activity. Your doctor can provide information about potential negative effects of sport-related eating or exercise that you should keep in mind as you decide on whether or not to participate in competitive eating or exercise.