Intramural sports, a part of campus recreation at almost every university gives students a chance to compete in sports (for a team $ fee) they have mastered or simply enjoy participating in. A few of the most common intramural sports students play each semester across the United States include football, soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball. Along with participation in these sports comes many other benefits.
The most important benefit from participating in intramurals, is the improvement of one’s fitness/health levels. In a 2010 study1, it was found that students who participate in intramural sports were more fit (measured by body fat % and/or aerobic capacity) than those who do not participate. With the increase in sedentary lifestyles in the 21st century, intramural sport participation suggests improved fitness and decreased obesity amongst collegiate students.
To help with getting the maximum number of students to participate in intramurals, to reap the health and fitness benefits, a studies have been done to find the times that students would be most likely to participate in the sports. In another 2010 study2, it was found that optimal time to schedule intramural games for maximum attendance is Monday 7-8pm, Tuesday 7-8pm, Wednesday 7-8pm, and Sunday 12-1pm.
Whether it’s playing intramurals for competition, fun, improved health/fitness levels, or socializing, with the time convenient hours intramural sports are offered, participation suggests only positive benefits to the body that male and females of all ages can enjoy.
1Matthews, C. A. (2010). Participation in PEAC vs. intramural sport on exercise self-efficacy, attitude toward exercise, and physical fitness (Order No. 1484703). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (305183090). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305183090?accountid=7078
2Palmer, C. M. (2010). Intramural scheduling time preferences to increase student participation (Order No. 1486353). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (757010849). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/757010849?accountid=7078
That is a very interesting stat, but I would like to know how many of the intramural players continually workout outside of the sport and how many do not. Just to see if that has any effect.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds about right on the times, I know when I was playing intramural sports a lot it was best for my games to be between 7-9, it just seemed to always fit my schedule.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I LOVED playing intramural sports throughout my undergraduate career. I played basketball on a club team for about 6 years before I went to school and got my bachelor’s degree. It was really hard giving up basketball, but intramurals allowed me that outlet to play in a competitive, fun, healthy atmosphere. I can say that had I gone all four years without intramurals I probably would not have any other factor motivating me to stay fit and healthy. In college, it is hard at times to stay motivated and keep your health a priority since we have so many other things to balance on our plates.
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