Bringing the American Youth into Sports

Sports are activities that most people in the United States have an interest in. Most of them prefer to remain as spectators on the sidelines, cheering for their favorite teams like crazy. On the other hand, some choose to go beyond just being mere spectators. They wanted to be right in the center of the action by playing a sport themselves.

Sports tend to be more popular with younger individuals. This may be due to the fact that they’re exposed to sports at school, through school teams for sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and swimming. At an early age, young people become interested at learning and mastering a sport. Playing a sport is also one way for them to build their bodies and keep themselves healthy.

Bringing the youth into sports has always been seen by policymakers as a way to protect this important segment of American society. Given the amount of bad influence that can be seen on the streets and the increasing number of young people who get involved in gangs, there is now an emphasis on using sports as a means to prevent kids from getting involved with such elements. Participation in sports also allows the youth to meet their counterparts from other communities, helping them build friendships and boosting their socialization skills.

One of the sports young Americans participate in is the youth rugby league. Rugby union is one of the world’s most popular sports, having a following in places such as Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The Rugby League World Cup, which the US men’s national team participated in, is highly anticipated by individuals everywhere.

The youth rugby league teams in the United States are being guided by the same people who are part of the national team. They help make younger individuals learn the sport and, eventually, play against each other in friendly competition. Doing so boosts the youth’s confidence and helps them stay away from unhealthy influences.

Youth rugby league is not the only sport younger Americans participate in. Clubs and teams for sports like hockey and volleyball are common in communities and schools. The popularity of such sports can help ensure the future of the United States and prepare the youngsters who will inherit the country from the current generation.

Walking before you run: fitness expert's steps to follow

For Forrest Gump, the answer was always clear — but for the average Canadian considering kicking off a new exercise routine, it's not as obvious, says Jeff Woods, a long-time personal trainer and fitness lifestyle commentator on the Canadian Learning Channel.

"They're both good for you and they're both going to reduce chronic disease, and they're going to add years to your life, but the running, according to evidence, seems to offer up greater benefits," Woods says.

In terms of overall fitness and health, five minutes of running is equal to 15 minutes of brisk walking, he says.

More specifically, the added intensity of a jog has a greater positive impact on heart and lung function. Accumulating over years, running just five to ten minutes per day can add about four years to a man's lifespan — and five to a woman's.

But there's a catch: it only works if you run consistently.

"If you're running once a year, it doesn't count," Woods says.

The sweet spot, according to Woods, is developing a running routine that sees you out two to three times per week, running for no more than four hours in total. Any more than that requires a hike in recovery time but no significant increase in aerobic capacity.

"It's not worth it," Woods says.

Walk before you run

The benefits of running also come with a trade-off in terms of rate of injury, however. Woods says about 50 per cent of runners can expect an injury at some point. For walkers, that number is only about one per cent.

"When you run, it's a ground force of about two and half times your bodyweight. It's only about 1.2 times when you walk."

For that reason, Woods says it's important to walk before you run — simply to give your body a chance to work up to the higher-stress exercise. He also recommends an accompanying strength-training routine. Most injuries occur in new runners who skip this step, jumping straight into a more intense running routine, he says.

And not all people are cut out to pick up the pace, Woods says.

"You have to do what works for you. A program is only successful if it's sustainable. If you're constantly getting injured from your running program, note to self: you're not a runner."

Regardless of whether you're walking or running, it's also important to consider the climate, Woods says. In the hot weather, less is more.

"You're not going to get a positive training response when it's this hot out because not only are your working muscles competing for blood, your skin's competing for blood so it can cool effectively."

Woods recommends exercising late at night or early in the morning to avoid the worst of the weather.\

Resource From: http://www.cbc.ca