US Hwa Rang Kwan
Regular physical activity, including sports, has health benefits at every age. The CDC lists benefits for children such as better attention and memory, lower risk of depression and stronger bones, and long-term benefits for adults such as lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and 8 cancers. U.S. guidelines also say any amount of physical activity has some health benefits.
What are the health benefits of sports for kids?
The CDC lists these benefits of physical activity for children, among others:
- Improves attention and memory
- Reduces risk of depression
- Builds strong muscles and endurance
- Improves blood pressure and aerobic fitness
- Strengthens bones
The CDC also names improved academic performance and brain health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans add that active children and teens aged 3 to 17 have higher bone mass, improved bone structure and greater bone strength.
What are the health benefits of sports for adults?
The CDC lists these long-term benefits of regular physical activity for adults:
- Heart health: lowers risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes
- Cancer prevention: lowers risk of 8 cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung and stomach)
- Bone strength: improves bone health
- Balance and coordination: reduces risks of falls
For adults 65 and older, the CDC adds that activity helps people live independently longer, and says they need aerobic, muscle-strengthening and balance activities each week.
Do sports help with mental health and confidence?
A 2019 AAP clinical report says participation in organized sports is strongly associated with a positive social self-concept, and that fewer depressive symptoms and higher confidence are among the most commonly associated positive outcomes of participation. It notes that this kind of research cannot necessarily establish cause and effect.
How much activity is enough?
- Adults: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity (CDC).
- Children and teens aged 6 to 17: at least 60 minutes every day (CDC).
- Any amount counts: U.S. guidelines say any amount of physical activity has some health benefits.
The guidelines also advise choosing activities that suit your current fitness level, and say inactive people should "start low and go slow."
Where does Kumdo fit?
Kumdo is a Korean sword sport. The Korea Kumdo Association says its training develops the whole body evenly and strengthens heart and lung function, along with concentration and patience. Players wear hogu armor for sparring. See Is Kumdo a Good Workout for Weight Loss?
FAQ
What are the benefits of playing sports as a kid?
The CDC lists better attention and memory, lower risk of depression, stronger muscles and bones, and improved academic performance.
What are the long-term health benefits of sports?
The CDC lists lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and 8 cancers, better bone health and fewer falls.
Is any exercise better than none?
Yes. U.S. guidelines say any amount of physical activity has some health benefits.
Try Kumdo near Washington, DC
US Hwa Rang Kwan Kumdo teaches kids, teens and adults (ages 7 and up) in Chantilly, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland. New students at the Chantilly, VA dojang can start with 3 semi-private lessons for $19.99. For Ellicott City, please contact us before you visit.
Sources
- CDC: health benefits of physical activity for children
- CDC: health benefits of physical activity for adults
- CDC: health benefits for older adults
- CDC: physical activity guidelines for older adults
- CDC: physical activity guidelines for adults
- CDC: physical activity guidelines for children
- HHS: top 10 things to know about the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (PDF)
- AAP clinical report: organized sports for children and adolescents (2019)
- Korea Kumdo Association: about Kumdo
