Study proves that watching football is good for health. The stress from watching a match was found to be equivalent to a moderate cardiovascular workout.
Working out can be quite stressful. With the world becoming as fast as it is today, one can find it hard to take out time out of their daily lives to dedicate it solely to exercise. With only 24 hours in a day, many, in their free time, choose to rather indulge in activities that simulates them; such as watching a game of football with family of friends. However, a study has now come out that proves that doing so be equivalent to a moderate cardiovascular workout. Therefore, watching football is actually good for your health.
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In a partnership with the University of Leeds Biomedical department, BetVictor analysed 25 Leeds United fans throughout three key games of their 2018/19 Championship season. 25 fans up to the age of 62 were divided into 3 groups of age groups of 0-10. 20’s,30’s and 40+, and studied.
They were then physiologically and psychologically monitored in the games against Brentford (in a controlled environment) and the two-playoff semi-final matches against Derby (at each stadium).
Their blood pressure, heart rate and mood were tracked. Their blood pressures were measured a couple of days before the match, at half-time and immediately after the final whistle. Mood surveys and interviews were taken after each match for the analysis.
Conclusion
The findings from the study showed that the ‘positive stress’ was comparable to a moderate workout. Watching their team win also resulted in lower blood pressure and improved their mood for 24 hours. On the other hand, losing would result in an extended period of low mood. Supporters that went to watch the match in either the ‘home’ or ‘away’ stadium witnessed an increased heart rate of 11%. The highs of watching one’s team win was found to be addicting. Also, all these physiological and psychological effects were pronounced in long time supporters.
Study proves that watching football is good for health
Dr. Andrea Utley, Reader in Motor Control and Development at the University of Leeds said:
“It was clear that fans were passionate about the game with heart rate elevated during the match to a similar level to that when going for a brisk walk (generally 20% higher than resting heart rate).” she told BetVictor.
“A goal for either team caused a brief increase in heart rate of an average of 20bpm from the match average.
‘Ultimately supporting your team at a football match gives you a moderate cardiovascular workout and depending on the result of the match, a psychological boost or slump.”
In closing, if you’re ever pressed for time and want to schedule a workout for yourself. Sit back and watch your favorite team kick ball instead. The Premier League having already started. The Champions League will soon follow suit. In other words, there’s a lot of workout waiting for you this season.
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