Any type of exercise has positive impacts on both your body and your brain. But studies show people who participate in team sports may experience more benefits than those who exercise alone. Study researchers tracked nearly 9,000 people for 25 years and found playing tennis added an average of 9.7 years to life expectancy, badminton added 6.2 years and soccer added 4.7 years. Dr. James O’Keefe, co-author of the study, stated “If you are interested in exercising for health and longevity and well-being, perhaps the most important feature of your exercise regimen is that it should involve a playdate.”
So next time you plan to exercise, we encourage you to invite a buddy. Here are some ideas from Hello4Health™ to help you engage in physical activity with others:
- Connecting through exercise: Ways to connect with others through exercise in person or virtually to improve your health.
- Ready, set, connect, through sports!: Sports can help us connect with diverse groups of people through a shared common interest. Check out ways to get active and connected.
- Take a “Noticing Walk” with kids: This activity helps kids better connect with nature while you all get a little exercise.
Explore ways to ‘Chill’ next week
The Hello4Health ‘sister’ initiative, Change to Chill, is a free mental well-being resource offered by Allina Health. Next week, Oct. 11-15, Change to Chill invites you to join Chill Week from your home, work or school.
Chill Week explores what Change to Chill has to offer in the form of relaxation, finding balance and unwinding. Review the Chill Week guide for ways to ‘Chill’ at home, work or school throughout the week.