Active Games May Improve Health without High Stress
By Tom Herrin
When people think about team sports as games to play, they often discount some that they may see as being out of reach for them. In other words, many people feel that either they are too old to play some things or unable to participate because of the accompanying aches and pains. For those who remember, there is an old episode of The Twilight Zone entitled “Kick the Can.” In it, a group of people from a nursing home play a kid’s game and become young again. The concept is really not all that out of the realm of possibility. Field hockey may sound like a hard and heavy game, but it can actually be a good activity for people searching for a way to improve their health, and it can be played at a very moderate level.
It Can Work the Heart and Respiratory System
Most people lack enough cardio workout. Since they don’t get much in their daily routines, they look for ways to supplement their activity. Playing field hockey can provide that on and off workout while playing: Short bursts of running or jogging combined with pauses intermittently can produce solid results. This can strengthen the heart’s ability to move blood effectively. This makes it more efficient.
It May Help Burn Calories
Whether they admit it or not, plenty of people need to lose weight. Dieting is the best way to really see progress, however they may need to jump-start the process. Burning a sizable number of calories can certainly help them see progress. Playing this game can help do that, and since it may be played at whatever pace they can handle, they can increase it as they feel up to it.
It May Help Improve Balance and Coordination
As we get older, we tend to have more problems that result in accidents. A lot of this is related to issues involving balance and coordination. Anything we can do to help improve that may be worth trying. In playing field hockey, we will be moving while maneuvering the ball or puck at the same time. Our hand-eye coordination will improve as will our overall body movement. Since this game is usually a hit with all who see it played, it is good for family members of all ages as well as a group of friends. Give it a try, and you may surprise yourself.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Goleta, Calif.