Paintball Takes Aim at Good Health
By Paul Rothbart
You've probably seen paintball, at least on television or perhaps the internet. Teams of people dressed in camo, wearing helmets, shooting each other with guns that leave brightly-colored splotches wherever they strike. It's a relatively new sport with over 5 million participants in the U.S alone. If you've ever thought about giving it a try, consider the exercise and other health benefits that come from waging a mock war. It certainly beats sitting in front of a screen and attacking pixels with a joystick. Here are some of the ways playing paintball can improve your health.
It's a Full Body Workout
In a war, even if it's just for play, remaining stationary is a bad strategy. In paintball, you will be running, jumping, crawling, and kneeling. Pretty much any type of action the human body can perform is going to happen in a paintball war. You will work every muscle group, build strength and endurance. The great thing is that you are so focused on the battle and the fun that you don't even realize the workout you are getting. Paintball is a good form of exercise for people who get bored and have trouble staying motivated while working out more traditionally.
It Adds Variety to Your Exercise
Hitting the gym for some weight training, jumping on a bike, or running those miles are all effective ways to stay in shape. But they can get monotonous. A little variety will boost your motivation and increase the fun you experience while working out. Paintball is a great way to switch things up once in a while.
Builds Social Skills
Paintball is a team sport that requires strategy, timing, and proper execution by all members. This can improve communication and social skills. Working together to achieve a common goal is a rewarding experience and the lessons learned can be carried over into work and other aspects of life. Good teamwork can build self-confidence and leadership skills.
Relieves Stress
There are those days when stress builds to the point that you just want to hit something. That is a bad idea for both you and your target. Instead, fire a paintball at a target wearing safety gear. It's a great way to get out some aggression without causing damage or injury. The game also helps the body produce endorphins, the hormones that elevate mood. Being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine is also a great way to reduce anxiety.
Regular exercise is essential to good health. So is regular fun. There are many ways to do each. Combining them is ideal. If you're looking for a new and enjoyable way to stay fit, consider suiting up and getting involved in a paintball battle.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Caldwell, N.J.