Squash: The Best All-Round Sport
Fram Reports
Our Partner in Crime Alex Robertson from Control the ‘T’ Sports proposed a very interesting article in his weekly newsletter: Squash is the best All Around Sport..
And we agree!
I did a little summarise of his writing, if you wish to read the full one, here is the link to their site, and if you scroll at the end of the page, you could register and get their full newsletter…
Cardiovascular Fitness
Squash is excellent when it comes to cardio.
Squash excels in cardio fitness due to its continuous, high-intensity movements, keeping your heart rate elevated. The game’s varying rally speeds hit both aerobic and anaerobic exercise states in both training and matches.
Matches lasting 30 minutes to over an hour challenge your cardiovascular system, improving heart and lung efficiency. Regular play lowers resting heart rate and strengthens heart function, reducing the risk of heart disease and enhancing overall stamina.
Muscular Strength
Squash builds strength through dynamic movements, working a wide range of muscles. Rapid sprints, lunges, and direction changes tone lower body muscles, while repetitive swinging strengthens shoulders, arms, and chest.
Core engagement for balance enhances abdominal and back muscles. Regular play improves overall muscular strength, benefiting everyday activities.
Bone Strength
Squash’s high-impact movements stimulate bone-forming cells, increasing bone density and reducing osteoporosis risk.
Weight-bearing activities like sprints and lunges enhance bone health, particularly beneficial as players age. Dynamic movements also improve joint health, maintaining mobility and preventing stiffness.
Weight Management
Squash burns a significant number of calories, aiding in weight management. An hour of play can burn 800 calories or more, depending on various factors. Regular play increases calorie deficit, promoting weight loss.
The sport’s aerobic and anaerobic demands enhance metabolic efficiency, utilizing stored fat for energy and maintaining a healthy weight.
Flexibility
Squash improves flexibility through its dynamic movements, engaging and stretching various muscle groups. Quick changes in direction, lunges, and stretches enhance the flexibility of hips, legs, arms, and shoulders.
Regular play and dynamic stretching prevent stiffness, improve posture, and reduce injury risk.
Coordination
Squash enhances footwork, hand-eye coordination, and timing. Precise footwork and positioning are crucial, requiring agility and balance. Hand-eye coordination is essential for accurate shots. The mental coordination needed for strategy and decision-making under pressure translates to improved cognitive skills in daily life.
Stress Relief
Squash provides stress relief and mental well-being. Physical exertion releases endorphins, alleviating stress and anxiety. The sport’s concentration demands offer a temporary escape from daily pressures. Social interactions at squash clubs and events foster a sense of community, reducing stress and enhancing mental health.
And the winner…:
Social Interaction
Squash promotes social interaction through gameplay, requiring communication and strategy. It fosters friendships and expands social networks, with clubs hosting events to build community. Joining clubs, leagues, or tournaments enhances the social experience, creating a supportive and motivating environment.
