When it comes to your mental and physical health, sports can prove to be a critical gamechanger. Partaking in a sport has been linked to several benefits such as improved wellbeing, better sleep, optimum physical/mental health, improved lung function and increased confidence. But, with so many sports to choose from, how do you choose the best physical activities to drastically improve your overall health and wellness?

Let’s review the best sports that can improve your physical and mental health:

1. Tennis
Statistics indicate that you can burn as much as 600 calories per hour, just by playing tennis. As a result of this, this sport is regarded as being one of the best aerobic activities that you can partake in. This is because the sport requires you to sprint, slam and pivot throughout the entirety of the match. It also requires that you exert a high amount of energy in short powerful bursts. This activity has been known to help develop fitness and expand lung capacity as well.

2. Swimming
If you want to improve your heart health, this is the sport for you. Swimming is ideal for individuals of all ages due to the fact that it’s low stress in nature. It can help to maintain a healthy body weight as well as to build muscle and improve lung capacity. It can also be done, at any time regardless of what season it is. Best of all, you can find community pools and beaches that are free of charge.

3. Cycling
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to get the most expensive Adidas custom uniforms or cycle for an entire marathon to reap the benefits of this sport. By taking a class, you’ll learn a new skill that enables you to workout whenever you feel like, regardless of where you live. This sport is regarded as being a low-impact activity that can help to burn an abundance of calories. This sport has also been linked to improved mood and better brain function.

4. Basketball
Get ready to dust off your men’s basketball jerseys or 76ers gear. Data suggest that the average adult burns anywhere from 490 – 680 calories per hour, during a typical match. Many fitness experts have noted that basketball can help to tone your body because it requires you to stretch, jump and run. It’s also an ideal sport to partake in with your family so be sure to look for reviews surrounding the best hitting net for baseball if you plan on installing a half court in your backyard.

5. Baseball
Baseball is an ideal spot to partake in, if you want to build upper body strength. By partaking in this sport for a few months, you’ll be surprised at how strong your arms and legs will become. This is because swinging and holding a bat, as well as throwing and catching the ball, requires you to use your entire upper body. Additionally, certain motions such as swinging can help to improve joint flexibility.

6. Lacrosse
Purchasing the best girls lacrosse goalie gear and learning how to play lacrosse is a great way for you to socialize with like minded individuals. Besides the fact that you essentially perform a full body workout by partaking in a match, since being part of a team is essential when it comes to playing this sport, it can help to improve your ability to work and communicate with others.

7. Rowing
Rowing is regarded as being a low impact, high cardio sport. This makes it ideal for older individuals who suffer from arthritis or any other kind of joint related condition. Based on the fact that you conduct this sport in a seated position, it provides your joints with some well needed break.