For many thousands of years, most of human history, in fact, we have recognized sports and exercise as essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Playing sports is an excellent way to ensure that we not only get the exercise that we need, but we are also able to indulge our competitive urges while socializing with other players.

However, not all sports are created equal, there are some which are better suited to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, obviously three hours of golf are nowhere near the same level of workout as three hours of jogging.

In this article we take a look at the sports which are best for those looking to improve their overall health.

Swimming

Swimming is far and away the best sport for those who are looking to improve their general health. Swimming is fantastic aerobic exercise, while also an activity which works out all the major muscle groups in the human body.

Another advantage of swimming is that it is considered to be a low-stress activity. This is because the challenge of swimming is the result of the resistance created by the water that participants swim in, rather than requiring a sustained expenditure of energy like high intensity sports do.

Tennis

Tennis is another excellent sport for those that are looking to give their whole system a workout rather than just one individual component. When playing tennis, participants must focus on both the defensive and the offensive aspects of the game. This means that tennis players are constantly required to switch their stances and styles in response to their opponents plays.

With tennis, it isn’t about big sprints and massive bursts of energy, instead it’s about the cumulative effects of smaller movements, the pitches and pivots that comprise the ballet of tennis. Over the course of a game of tennis each player makes these moves multiple times, this is where the health benefits of playing tennis are drawn from.

Rowing

Rowing is a sport which mostly exercises the upper body, although it is also an excellent exercise for improving aerobic ability. Rowing requires a good deal more endurance than many people realize. Rowing is a sustained activity and one that takes a rapid toll on participants.

Rowing is recommended by the American Athletics Association as being an excellent way to lose weight with a very low risk of injury to participants.

Basketball

Basketball is a classic American pastime and an increasingly popular sport across the world, it is also one of the best sports to play recreationally. Many college students in the United States can earn their scholarships due to their talents at basketball. Check out asmscholarships.com for more information about available sports scholarships.

Playing a sport is one of the best ways to stay in shape and is also an excellent opportunity for socializing with other like-minded individuals. Playing any sport or doing any exercise is beneficial, but some sports are better than others. However, as long as you are exercising and getting a good work out you will be improving your health.