The Benefits of Lacrosse for Children
Lacrosse is a fun and high energy game that is
growing quickly in the United States. Interest
is starting at a young age. girls and boys alike
are lining up to play this sport. The athleticism,
skills and finesse needed are pulling kids from
all over to engage in Lacrosse. There is a misconception
of danger related to this sport however, and that
raises parents concerns regarding their child
participating. There has been a lot of work to
help Lacrosse be a safe sport and these concerns
can be put to rest. Besides, the benefits far
out weigh the potential risks.
Benefit #1: Increase Mental Health
Children participating in Lacrosse are benefited
in their mind as well as their body. Depression
is taking over many people's lives. Children are
among the rising numbers effected by this disease.
Although medication may be needed, activity considerably
decreases the amount needed. Some studies have
shown that sixty minutes of physical activity
each day is as effective as a low dose of antidepressant.
Although activity is not meant to replace medication
it can help reduce symptoms. Exercise also releases
endorphins and tension in your muscles along with
improving attitude and clearing the mind. All
of these things together mean a happier kid, and
more able to handle the challenges of life now
and develop a method of reducing stress that will
benefit them their entire life. Your child doesn't
suffer from depression? The same benefits apply.
Youth experience stress and anxiety regardless
of specific health conditions.
Benefit #2: Prevents Obesity
Child obesity on the rise with many youth just
watching, cheering, and idolizing sports and athletes.
The television is on and the chips are out. Not
only are they increasing caloric intake, but the
lack of activity lowers their overall metabolism
and makes putting on the weight easier and continual
throughout the day and night. Because there seems
to be a trend of across the board of inactivity
and weight gain among children and adolescence
the U.S. government has even established programs
to help kids move and make activity a daily part
of their life. Physical education programs are
cut back and even cut out in some schools. Children's
physical activity is limited to that which they
get on the playground and high school students
are not opting to take as many P.E. classes as
even 10 years ago. Lacrosse is a challenging and
engaging sport that motivates children and teens
to want to get the exercise they need.
Benefit #3: Build Endurance
Lacrosse combines the skills of basketball,
soccer and hockey into a fast paced, high endurance
test of strength and agility. With a playing area
roughly the size of a football field there is
a high demand for speed and strength. The training
is rigorous and focused. Dedication is required
to succeed. Struggling physically also helps build
a person mentally. Pushing through and making
a goal builds confidence and commitment. The hard
work that goes into this sport helps develop a
strong character, one that will benefit a person
for years to come and help them endure other things
in life unrelated to the game.
Benefit #4: Social Interaction
One of the great things about team sports is
that you are part of a team. The players work,
sweat, plan and play together. The time spent
focused on a goal bonds the players together.
Childhood and adolescense is a time for searching
and learning to relate to peers and form friendships.
Playing together allows for positive shared experiences
with others and a setting to develop social skills.
Children and teens who can be together and have
a common purpose will have a greater chance at
success in life, as much of what people do for
work and community involves associating and working
with others.
If your child is interested in playing lacrosse,
these are only a few benefits they will experience.
With the popularity of this sport growing more
each year, and with leagues and teams set up all
over the country, it is a past-time that can continue
on throughout their life.
About the Author:
Rob Daniels is a professional writer representing
http://www.lacrosse-shop.com
and http://www.hockey-games.net
some of his favorite sports.
|
