Whether at a very high level of competition, or only a few days a week, many people practice a sporting activity, whatever the form. We usually discover sports during childhood, and while some of us continue to exercise in one way or another at various frequencies, others simply stop and lose interest. . So much so that scientists have looked into the following question:why do some people like to practice a sport and others do not?
Science, in the form of sports psychology, has attempted to answer this question by identifying several physical, emotional, and cognitive factors that motivate people to play sports, as well as personality traits associated with athletic success. Scientists first focused on the physical and emotional benefits of sport.
Athletes, whether high-level or casual, are likely to experience positive emotions such as excitement, elation and pleasure. Exercise creates physical excitement as adrenaline is released, resulting in faster metabolism and increased cardiovascular activity. Hormone belonging to the family of catecholamines, adrenaline is responsible for the state of excitement felt during a physical performance or in thrill rides.
Neurotransmitters in the brain called serotonin and endorphins are also released, causing feelings of pleasure and well-being. Endorphins, in particular, can be produced up to ten times their normal amount during exercise. These opioid neuropeptides have a soothing, relaxing and analgesic effect, thus tricking the brain into viewing sports as a pleasurable activity.
In addition to arousing beneficial physical sensations, the practice of a sport also stimulates self-esteem. So much so that doctors and psychologists even recommend sport as a complementary treatment for certain disorders such as depression and anxiety. Improving a skill, winning a match, and even making new friends increases feelings of confidence and satisfaction. In addition, succeeding in overcoming challenges increases our motivation to improve and pushes us to surpass ourselves.
The unity and strong social bonds created when being part of a team create excellent social support. Affiliating with a group and being accepted by it is undeniably important in all aspects of life, especially for personalities who are lonely or find it difficult to bond in everyday life situations. In addition to being part of a team, social integration often allows a boost in self-esteem both as an important element of the group and in the valuation that one receives.
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From a psychological point of view, research has not revealed a typical personality for exercising a sport. However, a particular goal is often present in the interviewees, whether it serves as an initial motivation or a daily driver. This may be a physical goal (weight loss, muscle building, etc.), therapeutic (cardiac endurance, better mobility, etc.) or a complement to everyday life (well-being, passion, etc.).
Regarding people who do not play sports, the reasons can be multiple. According to a study conducted at Harvard, in which 2056 adults aged 18 and over were questioned, "the majority of those who had played sports when they were younger no longer did so, with a significant decline after age 26". /P>
The study underscores the need to ensure affordable sports for all, as gender and tax bracket are seen as significant factors in dropout rates. Injuries have also been identified as an important reason people stop playing sports. Another factor that may actually be the hardest to combat is that as people age, they view sports as a boring and time-consuming activity.
Theories of human behavior have long shown that immediate experience often outweighs future rewards. This means that it is difficult to do something uncomfortable even if it is beneficial "later". It has to be said, exercise is uncomfortable (compared to other activities). We live in a society where we keep the indoor temperature adjusted to perfection all year round, we wrap ourselves in soft clothes, we wear thick-soled shoes to protect our feet, we lie on cozy beds covered with covers , and we shower and scrub with warm water and soap every day. Does all this "pampering" make us intolerant of even mild physical discomfort? Possible. Some people could therefore become less tolerant of effort because of this excess comfort...
