Squash is a sport that is increasing in popularity all over the world. The reason for this is that it is a fun and easy game to play. I have been playing squash for five years now and I cannot imagine my life without it now, to be honest with you. I am the fittest that I have ever been and that is because of squash. Below I am going to talk to you about some of the biggest health benefits of playing this game. Come the end of the article, I am certain that you are going to want to start playing yourself.
Improves Hand-Eye Co-ordination
Squash will improve your hand-eye co-ordination as you are constantly have to adjust your hand and body so that you can hit the ball towards your target. The coordinated control of hand movement, eye movement, and processing what you are seeing in front of you to guide your reach increases accuracy and promotes movement fitness. Our hand-eye co-ordination tends to get worse when we stop taking part in activities that make use of this kind of co-ordination, so if you would like to keep yours well developed, I recommend that you take up squash at least once a week.
Improves Concentration Levels
As soon as the game begins you have to concentrate on the ball. You need to follow its every move so that you know where it is going to land so that you can get there in time to hit it back to your opponent. This uses a lot of visual and mental concentration, while your peripheral vision is concentrating on how your opponent is moving so that you can catch them off guard. If you cannot focus when playing squash, you will lose most games that you play.
Improves fitness and Strength
Playing squash helps you to improve power and fitness. The actions that you are required to do will tone your legs, arms, and abdomen, while all the running about that is required of you will help you to stay at a healthy weight. Using your upper and lower body muscles at once along with the added intensity of stop and start movements will burn off a lot of calories. Playing squash for just 30 minutes can see you burn off around 500 calories.
Improves Your Cardiovascular Health
When you are enjoying a game of squash you will be jumping, running, and diving for the ball so your lungs and heart will be working at the peak efficiency. An intense squash game will always keep your heart rate high, which will make your heart muscles stronger as more blood has to be pumped to your brain and your other vital organs. Therefore, over time, you will see an improvement in your stamina and endurance.
Helps to Alleviate Stress
Squash is a fantastic stress reliever, especially after a long day at work. If you are feeling frustrated or angry about something, be it your home life or work, a game of squash can help you get rid of those negative feelings as you can take out all of your emotion on the ball. There is nothing better than using your negative energy to fuel your physical energy.
Improves Mental Well-Being
When you first start to play squash, it is 95% physical and just 5% mental. However, once your physical condition has improved, those figures swap and it then becomes 95% mental and just 5% physical. Instead of having to focus on trying to catch your breath and reaching the ball, you will be able to focus on your game strategy. Concentrating on where the ball is, what your opponent is doing, and the surroundings will definitely improve your spatial awareness and mental alertness.
Improves Your Confidence
After a squash game you will develop a sense of confidence and accomplishment, whether you have won or not. Knowing that you have competed at your best physical ability will boost your self-esteem and you will feel that you are on top of the world.