Five reasons to give badminton a try

HERE are five reasons why getting out on the court can not only be fun, but also gives your health a boost.

1. BURN CALORIES

As the fastest racquet sport in the world badminton can definitely work up a sweat! Although you might not be as fast as twotime Olympic champion Lin “Super” Dan, a game of badminton will still get you moving and increase your heart rate. Even a moderately intense workout can help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and stroke, as well as reduce your risk of obesity and diabetes.

2. REDUCE MORTALITY RISK

A large-scale study published last year which looked at over 80,000 British adults also found that racquet sports such as badminton, tennis, and squash are some of the best for lowering risk of death, with those who enjoy a game benefitting from a 47 per cent reduction in mortality risk than those who do no exercise at all. 3. BOOST EYE HEALTH

A 2013 study from Russia found that playing badminton could help boost eye health. The two-year study found that many children stopped wearing glasses within just two months after taking special badminton lessons three times a week. The findings, from the National Badminton Federation of Russia, even helped put the sports on the country’s sports curriculum.

The research also found that the sport could be beneficial to adults who spend too much time working in front of a computer screen. Badminton’s effect in strengthening eye muscles showed some impressive results.

4. GET SOME FRESH AIR

Like other racquet sports such as tennis, badminton is great to play outdoors in the summertime. Getting out into nature and soaking up some vitamin D can also bring additional health benefits, including improved mental health and a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and autism thanks to

Badminton can be a great sport to try, providing a range of health benefits.

topping up vitamin D levels.

Just remember to wear sunscreen to avoid a risk of sunburn, and possibly skin cancer.

5. BE MORE SOCIAL

A badminton match with friends is a great

way to socialise, which has health benefits of its own as well as making sports more fun. Spending time with friends can help stave off loneliness, depression, reduce the risk of an early death, and help reduce stress levels, which can also lead to further health problems.