Published on
Updated
Reading 1 min.
According to an English study, supporting a team would be good for mental health. In addition to creating cohesion between fans, it gives additional motivation to practice a sporting activity.
“Go blue ones!” If you needed an excuse to support the women’s football team at the Euros in England or get excited about the Tour de France, here’s what should delight sports fans.
According to a study published by Better, a local business and charity specializing in sports, half of respondents (49%) agree that cheering on a team is good for their mental health. 51% of men think so and 46% of women.
These benefits are particularly noticeable on socialization. One in two say watching a sporting event helps them connect with family and friends. More than a third of respondents (35%) feel they are included in a community.
Motivation to exercise
Gone is the image of the supporter slumped on his sofa, a packet of crisps in his hand. According to the study, a third of respondents (34%) feel motivated to do more sport. Moreover, a fifth of women watch their favorite team while playing sports at home or from the gym.
But not all sports are at the same level. The study ranked supporters in Great Britain according to their level of fitness according to their favorite sport, by comparing their physical activity, their diet or their alcohol consumption. Cyclists and tennis fans come first, ahead of fans of golf, Formula 1, cricket, football and rugby.
“These results show how essential the presence of sport has been, improving socialization with friends, mental health and a sense of belonging to a tight-knit community. It also encourages a large number of people to become more of themselves. active, and this is a major goal of Better, to increase participation in sport and fitness at all ages and at all levels”concluded Phil Hannen, health manager for Better.