Spectator Sports: Healthy to Watch, Healthier to Play

Article by healthybalance.com staff
Posted on September 22, 2008

Think twice before you begin harping on that family member whose eyes are glued to the TV football game. New research completed at the University of Chicago indicates that playing, watching and talking about sports boosts brain function. Granted, watching sports does little for the physique. However, the brain activity needed to watch, comprehend and then talk about the game does indeed stimulate brain areas associated with language and learning skills.

“We show that non-language related activities, such as playing or watching a sport, enhance one’s ability to understand language about their sport precisely because brain areas normally used to act become highly involved in language understanding,” said Sian Beilock, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Chicago. “Experience playing and watching sports has enduring effects on language understanding by changing the neural networks that support comprehension to incorporate areas active in performing sports skills.”

During the study, brain MRIs showed that sports fans listening to sports facts engaged a brain region that usually functions in planning and selecting well-learned physical actions. This discovery also explains why playing sports can boost general learning abilities.

From couch potato to sports spud

That’s not to say that a sedentary lifestyle centering on TV sports builds overall health. If you or your household members fall under the spell of the fall TV football line-up, find ways to boost their health score while watching.

• Snack wisely. Brewskis, nachos and jumbo sized servings of fatty, red meat won’t score points with your heart and waistline. Switch up to trays of fresh vegetables and small portions of grilled lean meats served on 100% whole grain buns. Drinking fruit juice or iced water instead of beer and soda pop sets a great example for the kids.
• Play ball. Before the kick-off and during halftime, toss a football around with friends and family in the yard. You’ll work off calories and stress and have fun doing it.
• Exercise while you watch. Do leg lifts, crunches and push ups. Watching with a group of friends? Make it a group activity and track how your abilities improve throughout the season.
• Join a team. Put all your football knowledge to use on an adult flag football team. Many communities offer flag football leagues in the fall—many are co-ed.
• Get inspired. Do a little research and find out how your favorite football player stays in shape. Ask your personal trainer to help you translate the celebrity’s regimen into a fitness routine that works for you.