Introduction
Physical exercise is the foundation of a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Medical professionals unanimously agree that there are untold benefits to staying active and fit. There are hundreds of practical ways to do it, and those who enjoy a particular sport or exercise will passionately debate why their sport is the most fun or provides the most health benefits. Whether you play squash or not, there is no denying that it provides some of the most significant and positive benefits to your health –- so let’s look at some of the specifics.
Popularity of squash and underlying markets
Recent figures state that over 150 million people enjoy playing squash. There are other markets to consider when exploring the popularity of squash, and much like a variety of other sports, it has many popular betting markets that have helped to boost the sport’s popularity. Sports betting and casino gambling have experienced a seismic boost due to the rise and sustained popularity of smartphones and mobile devices, resulting in more eyes on the sport.
If you are looking for a way to complement the health benefits of squash with a little excitement, sports betting is a great option. Jalla Casino offers a wide range of sports betting choices, including squash, as well as other more mainstream selections such as football, basketball, and tennis.
Physical health positives as a result of squash
One of the key reasons so many people enjoy playing squash is the competitive edge and the close, tense action that unfolds at close quarters. Not only does it provide the obvious benefits of keeping your joints mobile and help provide flexibility, but this close-up competition against other players helps to stimulate activity within the brain.
Although you can play squash outdoors, most people will play it inside squash halls. Playing inside in a humid atmosphere in the heat can get the blood pumping even more than outside, and this prolonged cardiovascular activity is the key to improving and/or sustaining your heart and overall physical health.
Strength and agility
Unlike other racket games like tennis and badminton, where you need to return the shuttlecock or ball over the net to your opponent, squash is unique as you and your opponent both hit the ball in the same direction. Not only do you have to tirelessly think about where your next shot
will go, but you also need to try to avoid your opponent’s movements while placing the ball in the most challenging location on the court.
All of this requires solid levels of agility, and due to the hard, laminated courts and grippy footwear, twisting and moving sharply can also cause injury, so it’s important to develop the muscles in your legs as well as your core strength when you handle the racket and swing it for each shot. Keeping your centre of gravity low and navigating your way around the court is crucial if you’re going to be able to play squash to any decent standard.
Squash and other sports: what does the science say?
There’s a lot of discussion among passionate fans of tennis and squash, who will argue about their sport being the more difficult one to play. Despite their racket-based similarities, they are two different sports, with squash having a far greater impact on the lower half of the body. Both sports are excellent for cardio, muscle strength and agility, as are other top sports such as boxing, marathon running, swimming and cycling. Sports like boxing and squash are just as easy to practice online and on your own rather than in a group or against a competitor.
Scientists are divided on which sport actually has the best long-term effects, because everybody is different. A vigorous exercise regime often needs to go hand in hand with other beneficial activities like meditation, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and an intense routine. Therefore, it’s difficult to say with any degree of certainty which one of these sports is the best for you.
However, if you play squash long enough and to a consistent, high standard, you’ll experience the significant strength, agility and cardio benefits. Those who play squash often tend to have better balance and agility than those who perform other cardio exercises such as boxing, but there’s no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to get yourself active and moving, and you’ll notice an improvement in your physical and mental health.