Soccer is one of the better forms of exercise. It's a game of near non-stop movement. You run slowly, you sprint, and you use your entire body to run, jump, kick and head the ball. It's also a sport for all ages and abilities. Kids as young as 4 years old have fun playing soccer, and all you need in terms of equipment is a soccer ball and a place to kick it around.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise, such as running up and down a soccer field, strengthens your cardiovascular system. Regular aerobic exercise reduces the risk of developing many serious health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some types of cancer. By stimulating the immune system, aerobic activity makes you less susceptible to viral illnesses such as colds and flu. As MayoClinic.com states, "Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic activity is good for you."
Weight
Soccer helps keep your weight under control, which is important for adults and kids -- one out of every six kids in America is not just overweight but obese. Soccer players run as much as four to five miles in a game and burn more calories than with most forms of exercise because of the non-stop nature of the game. If you combine the amount of exercise from soccer with a healthy diet, you are likely to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Strength, Balance and Flexibility
As Syracuse.com notes, "There are also few other sports that engage so many muscles...soccer forces the player to master the coordination needed to have control of the ball with all parts of the body." Kicking the ball powerfully requires balance, leg strength and core strength. In addition to increasing muscle, soccer strengthens your bones.
Considerations
In addition to its other benefits, soccer gives your brain a workout. The fast-paced game requires players to be alert and think on their feet. Coach Tony Epifani, a former U.S. Junior Nationals team member, says, "I think your brain is constantly doing five or six things, always trying to anticipate what's going to happen next."
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