If you’re lucky enough to be outdoors year-round, the game of baseball is a great way to stay healthy both physically and mentally throughout the year. Between the cardio and the camaraderie amongst friends and teammates, it’s no wonder both kids and adults enjoy playing the game of baseball. Even if you live in a cold climate and can take advantage of the warm weather to play for part of the year, you should take advantage and join a league. Let’s go over some other benefits of the game that will improve your health and your lifestyle.

Physical Strength

If you’re looking to tone up and looking for a fun way to do it instead of visiting the boring gym, this is a fun way to do it. Between pitching, batting, squatting, and running your body will go through some serious conditioning and strength. Flexibility is another benefit that comes with these movements, especially swinging a bat. If you want to put this theory to the test, record the amount of weight you can lift before you start playing. Revisit the weight room after and see how much more you’re able to bench or lift.

Mental Health

Because baseball is a team sport, you’ll spend most of your time socializing with your teammates. You’ll make new friends and even get together outside of the game. Sports, in general, are known to improve your mood. Anything that requires physical activity sends signals to your brain that release chemicals known as endorphins that make you feel happy and relaxed. The game of baseball can also help you release stress. Because you’re interacting with others while being physical, your mind is being way too distracted to make any room for negative thoughts that tend to bring you down.

Another positive of playing baseball is that it gives you a boost of confidence. Sports, in general, require you to have some type of control to master your skills, which gives you a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Don’t be surprised if you start to notice that you’re excelling in a lot more outside of the game.

Cardiovascular Health

Because the game of baseball is so physical and requires a lot of cardio-type movement, it will help promote better cardiovascular health. Running alone is great for your heart and lungs so take every opportunity you can to try and catch that hit no matter if it may seem like an obvious home run. If you’re the one that’s batting, don’t be afraid to spring to the bases and get that blood pumping and flowing. It’s an adrenaline rush once they call out “Safe!”

Of course, as with any sport, there are possibilities of getting hurt so make sure you wear the right protective gear. Such as sunscreen to protect your skin outdoors at all times, protective cups, gloves, and be sure to use other accessories for baseball players that will help keep you comfortable and also prevent an injury.