The Benefits Of Intramural Sports
Location
SU 215
Department
Health Sciences and Physical Education
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) can be described as any bodily movement that requires the use of energy (Department of Health & Human Services [DHHS], 2018). People who participate in PA tend to live longer, healthier, and more satisfied lives. Benefits of PA include, weight management, improved cognitive functioning, better sleep, and lower risk for depression, cancer and other chronic diseases and illnesses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). According to the DHHS (2018), adults should participate in at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity PA or 75 to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Examples of PA include, gardening, bike riding, weight lifting, rollerblading, running, dancing, swimming, vacuuming, and playing sports. Because not all students have the ability to be on a college sport team, an alternative to staying involved with sports and being physically active is to play intramural sports, also known as campus recreation sports. According to Cooper, Schuett, and Philips (2012), “Campus intramural sports programs provide an ideal opportunity for college students to maintain a healthy level of physical activity” (p. 26). Examples of intramural sports include flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. Intramural sports are known to positively impact students’ social development, academics, and physical well-being (Sturts, 2013). According to Artinger, Clapham, Meigs, Sampson, and Forrester (2006), students who participated in intramural sports on-campus experienced more social benefits than those who did not participate. Activities are created to encourage and build relationships with other students on campus and work together as a team toward one common goal. Benefits of this sense of belonging in a campus community helps assist students transition from college to real world experiences (Zizzi, Ayers, Watson, & Keeler, 2004). Many studies show positive correlation between PA and improved academic performance (CDC, 2010). College students who join intramural sports, increase their overall PA levels which could potentially lead to an increase in academic achievement. Finally, intramurals positively impact students’ physical well-being, overall health, and fitness level (Forrester, 2015). Typically, when one feels better in all areas of health and wellness, they will continue to be physically active into adulthood. A study conducted by Forrester, Arterburry, and Barcelona (2006) illustrated that students who participate in recreation programs while in college were more likely to continue PA behaviors beyond college when compared with students who did not participate. Similarly, Forrester, Ross, Hall, and Geary (2007) found that over 77% of participants said intramural sports in college positively influenced their PA levels as graduates. As future PE teachers, we advocate the importance for PA. As current college students, we advocate participating in PA, such as intramurals held on campus, or within the community. Our presentation discussed the importance and benefits of intramurals: increases social networking opportunities, improves grades, and alleviates depression and anxiety. Not only does intramurals offer so many great benefits, but NEIU offers a wide variety of sports to participate in. We encourage you to partake in PA and/or intramurals at NEIU!
The Benefits Of Intramural Sports
SU 215
Physical activity (PA) can be described as any bodily movement that requires the use of energy (Department of Health & Human Services [DHHS], 2018). People who participate in PA tend to live longer, healthier, and more satisfied lives. Benefits of PA include, weight management, improved cognitive functioning, better sleep, and lower risk for depression, cancer and other chronic diseases and illnesses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). According to the DHHS (2018), adults should participate in at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity PA or 75 to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Examples of PA include, gardening, bike riding, weight lifting, rollerblading, running, dancing, swimming, vacuuming, and playing sports. Because not all students have the ability to be on a college sport team, an alternative to staying involved with sports and being physically active is to play intramural sports, also known as campus recreation sports. According to Cooper, Schuett, and Philips (2012), “Campus intramural sports programs provide an ideal opportunity for college students to maintain a healthy level of physical activity” (p. 26). Examples of intramural sports include flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. Intramural sports are known to positively impact students’ social development, academics, and physical well-being (Sturts, 2013). According to Artinger, Clapham, Meigs, Sampson, and Forrester (2006), students who participated in intramural sports on-campus experienced more social benefits than those who did not participate. Activities are created to encourage and build relationships with other students on campus and work together as a team toward one common goal. Benefits of this sense of belonging in a campus community helps assist students transition from college to real world experiences (Zizzi, Ayers, Watson, & Keeler, 2004). Many studies show positive correlation between PA and improved academic performance (CDC, 2010). College students who join intramural sports, increase their overall PA levels which could potentially lead to an increase in academic achievement. Finally, intramurals positively impact students’ physical well-being, overall health, and fitness level (Forrester, 2015). Typically, when one feels better in all areas of health and wellness, they will continue to be physically active into adulthood. A study conducted by Forrester, Arterburry, and Barcelona (2006) illustrated that students who participate in recreation programs while in college were more likely to continue PA behaviors beyond college when compared with students who did not participate. Similarly, Forrester, Ross, Hall, and Geary (2007) found that over 77% of participants said intramural sports in college positively influenced their PA levels as graduates. As future PE teachers, we advocate the importance for PA. As current college students, we advocate participating in PA, such as intramurals held on campus, or within the community. Our presentation discussed the importance and benefits of intramurals: increases social networking opportunities, improves grades, and alleviates depression and anxiety. Not only does intramurals offer so many great benefits, but NEIU offers a wide variety of sports to participate in. We encourage you to partake in PA and/or intramurals at NEIU!
Comments
Kimberly Maljak is the faculty sponsor of this project.