How Hockey Helps Your Health
By Brandi Goodman
Whether you're playing on ice or just in the street, hockey provides a great workout. Get some gear and try the activity for yourself and see how you feel after playing for a while. Hockey helps your health.
It Burns Calories
Hockey has you moving and staying on the go for the entire duration of the game. You'll be running or skating back and forth as you attempt to keep the puck in play. Swing your stick and make your goal for even more calorie-burning movement.
It Increases Strength
The more you play, the more you'll increase your strength and stamina. You'll really build up your leg muscles if you stay running on the road or skating on the rink. Using roller blades or skates will make this even more true. They'll really have your legs burning and your muscle mass increased.
It Improves Mental Health
Sometimes you need an outlet for your frustrations. Sports are that outlet for many people. Sending that puck flying into the net can feel great. It can feel as though you achieved something. This can reduce your stress and promote better mental well-being. Play some hockey and have some fun any time you're feeling low and watch your mood get boosted.
It Develops Your Hand-Eye Coordination
Your eyesight starts to fade as you age. Work to continuously improve your eyesight, as well as your hand-eye coordination, to keep your vision and brain health as strong as possible. Watching a small puck slide across the ground as you attempt to stop it with your stick takes a lot of reflex, strategy, and fast movement. Your hand-eye coordination gets greatly strengthened in the game of hockey.
It's Good for the Heart
Any physical activity is good for the heart. You're getting your blood and oxygen flowing, which opens up airways and blood vessels and allows nutrients to flow freely. You'll improve your lung capacity and get your heart pumping strong. A fast-paced game of hockey where you're always on the move will really have your heart beating.
A hockey goal, stick, and puck are all you need to play alone. Take the time to learn how to play by yourself and you'll be able to include another net and person in no time. Add in the skates and you'll really be working. Hockey can help your health if you play regularly and use it as a form of exercise.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Ind.