Sports That Are Beneficial for a Healthy Body

Playing sports has many health benefits, from cardiovascular benefits to increased muscle tone. While any form of physical activity is helpful, some sports can be more beneficial than others for a healthy body. Sports that require endurance, strength and long periods of running or short sprints can all be good for fitness. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, playing sports as a child and an adult can reduce risk of disease.

  1. Soccer

    • According to the Better Health Channel website, soccer, also known as football, is one of the world's most popular sports. A game of soccer requires almost continuous running, which can help increase the player's endurance to run for longer periods of time. According to the Better Health Channel website, playing soccer regularly can improve cardiovascular health, lower body fat, build muscle and bone strength and increase flexibility. Be sure to stretch before playing; stay hydrated before, during and after play.

    Swimming

    • Continuous swimming burns 500 calories an hour.

      Swimming is a refreshing and beneficial summertime sport. According to the "Hello!" magazine website, swimming continuously for 20 minutes stimulates metabolism and burns fat. Swimming can also balance blood pressure, improve posture and strengthen joints. One hour of continuous swimming burns 500 calories. The sport is also beneficial for those with health issues. For those with asthma, swimming helps increase lung function and breathing control. For swimmers with joint issues such as arthritis, swimming is a low impact activity that puts little pressure on bones and joints.

    Basketball

    • Basketball helps build muscle and increases coordination.

      Basketball, like soccer, is a sport that requires continuous running up and down the court. According to the Go For Your Life website, an hour of basketball can burn 630 to 750 calories. The sport also improves hand-eye coordination and concentration. Playing basketball increases endurance and builds muscle because of the continuous activity. Those with joint issues in the knees or ankles should be cautious when playing basketball, as the sport can put a lot of pressure on these joints.

    Tennis

    • Tennis decreases the risk of heart disease.

      Tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of many ages and fitness levels. According to the Cleveland Clinic, playing tennis for three hours a week can cut one's risk of heart disease in half. One hour of tennis can also burn 330 to 600 calories, depending on gender and intensity of play. As tennis requires some flexibility and quick starts and stops, be sure to stretch and warm-up before playing.