Football, Health & Fitness

If you can walk, you can play: here are 6 benefits of walking football

2 min read April 13, 2017

Football is one of the most popular game in the world. It is flexible in format and draws players into an engrossing, effortful and social exercise.

However, the physical demands of play at full speed with running and sprinting may make it unsustainable for some older adults, or those suffering from medical conditions with various exercise limiting comorbidities.

This is where walking football comes in. Walking football is a good alternative because the game is restricted to walking pace, and thus moderate in intensity and not physically demanding.
That makes walking football accessible for all. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, you can still reap health benefits as the physical demands remain manageable.
It is not only for older adults and those with medical conditions, it is also for the healthy and those who want to concentrate solely on the motor skills of football and the game play itself. Children can participate too!
 In line with the “Walking Football” tournament that will be launched this Sunday, here are seven benefits of walking football.
 

1. Risk of injury is reduced

It is a minimal body contact sport and the game is played at a slower pace to reduce the threat of pain and discomfort, with players briskly walking through matches.

2. It improves stamina and reduces resting heart rate

This also helps with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving blood circulation and blood pressure.

Photo: REUTERS

3. Improves blood lipid profiles

Many people today are at risk of heart diseases because of poor blood lipid profiles. Walking football can help with improving your blood lipid profile; like your cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar.

It also improves bone density – all these are indicators of general good health.

4. Helps to treat hypertension

Studies have shown it can be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and that it can produce high aerobic activity with marked improvements in fat oxidation and aerobic power.

5. Strengthen muscles 

With explosive movements of kicking, it strengthens the core muscles and limbs. Executing the kicks, needs balance and flexibility too.

6. Improve social well-being 

Socially interactive, it helps all demographics in improving their social well being. Walking football also helps to combat depression and anxiety — especially around retirement age.

Following the success of the ‘Walking Football’ initiative in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, FourthOfficial.com will be partnering with renowned fitness guru Dee Dee Mahmood to officially launch and bring the initiative over to Southeast Asia.

DETAILS

Date: 16th April 2017 (Sunday)
Time: 10 AM to 12PM
Venue: Sports Garage, Petaling Jaya
Guest Referee: Paul Parker (Ex-Manchester United & England International)

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