Despite the fact that the majority of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are physically fit, only around 40% engage in sports, whether competitive or recreational. Regrettably, the decline is predicted to continue as today's youth gravitate toward “activities” that need just a hand movement, such as video games, social networking, and online surfing.

If you are a teen or preteen who has not yet tried a sport, now is the time! Apart from the sheer enjoyment of sports participation, there are various other compelling reasons to do so. This list has just seven of them.

1. You will notice an improvement in your physical condition.

Sports need physical activity, and it is generally established that exercise is good to your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity assists in weight loss, combats health issues and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, and promotes better sleep. The health advantages of sports involvement much outweigh the dangers of injury.

2. You will have a deeper understanding of the content.

Numerous studies have shown that physical participation enhances cognitive ability. According to an Institute of Medicine study, children who are more active have greater attention, a faster cognitive processing speed, and perform better on standardized academic examinations than children who are less active.

This is unsurprising, given that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which encourages brain growth. Additionally, sports demand you to plan and think quickly on your feet, which keeps your mind engaged and sharp.

3. You'll learn how to work efficiently as a team member and as a sportsperson.

In sports, individuals learn to rely on and encourage one another in order to accomplish a common goal. Individual sports are enjoyable, but team sports teach you an invaluable lesson: the effectiveness with which individuals communicate affects the success of a team — or an organization. Even the “best” player cannot win the game on his or her alone.

Additionally, sports teach you how to play effectively and with respect for the other team's players. Cheating, bragging, and fighting have no place in sports — or, for that matter, in the corporate world. Sports teach you to give it your best and act appropriately regardless of the outcome.

4. You'll make new friends.

If you join a sports team, you almost likely will make friends. Because teammates share so many pleasurable and exhilarating experiences, friendships should last long after you've completed playing. There is one more advantage: the majority of teams dine together after a game!

5. Your capacity for concentration and time management will improve.

While sports require time and commitment, the majority of athletes do better in school and are more likely to join groups or serve in their communities. What convinces you that it is possible? In sports, adolescent players must develop two critical abilities: attention and time management. Individuals who can concentrate and manage their time well are more likely to accomplish assignments and meet their short and long-term goals.

6. You will improve your college résumé.

While it is true that schools and colleges favor well-rounded applicants, this should not be the major reason for engaging in sports like as basketball legends. Participating in sports not only looks nice on a resume, but it also demonstrates to the admissions counselor that you are disciplined, self-assured, and capable of collaborating with others. Along with being an exceptional student, you most surely possess leadership potential.

7. You will get a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Not every athlete is a “dumb jock.” According to research, girls and boys who engage in sports have a greater probability of achieving higher-status employment than those who do not.

Teenagers who engaged in sports had increased leadership qualities, improved team performance, and increased confidence, according to a Cornell University study. According to the study, “participation in competitive childhood sports'spills over’ to occupationally advantageous qualities that persist throughout a person's life.”