Life following a sports injury often feels difficult. When you’re craving your usual physical activities but you’re unable to engage in them, it’s time to try something different.
Walking netball is ideal for those who are recovering from sports injuries but still wish to remain active. Additionally, it’s an excellent go-to sport when you’re a netball beginner, or when you’re exercising as an older person.
“Strengthening your bones, game by game"
The best way to strengthen your bones is through weight-bearing exercise. Although walking netball is played at a slow pace, you’re engaging your lower limbs against gravity, and improving your bone density as a result.
Over time, greater bone density results in better posture and fewer injuries. When you’re recovering from an injury, the bone density you gain through walking netball supports the musculoskeletal system. As an older person, you can reduce your risk of physical decline and conditions such as osteoporosis.
Supporting your cardiovascular system with walking netball
Your cardiovascular system faces a tremendous task, every moment of every day. It delivers oxygen to your tissues, making it critical in maintaining your overall health.
With walking netball, you gently increase your pulse and prime your heart to work more effectively. Over time, this results in lower blood pressure, an improved resting heart rate, and greater tolerance of everyday movement as a result. The British Heart Foundation advocates using regular exercise as a way to improve your health, and walking netball could be the perfect activity for you.
While recovering from a sports injury, using gentler exercises is an excellent way to prevent the increase of your current resting heart rate. As a result, you may find it easier to return to your usual activities when your recovery is complete.
Mental health benefits that last a lifetime
Exercise of all kinds has an excellent association with improved mental health. You generate neurotransmitters that maintain a happier balance, resulting in a better night’s sleep and a happier mood throughout the day.
One mental health perk that sets walking netball apart is the team sport element. While engaging in a relaxed and friendly environment, you’ll also have the opportunity to socialise. Much like exercise, socialising has a positive association with greater mental wellbeing. It can reduce your risk of depressive disorders and may even lower your risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
Whether you’re easing your way through a sports injury or you want to improve your current fitness levels, walking netball is worth your efforts. If you’re tempted to try it, all you need to do is come along and try one of our Walking Netball workshops.
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