Basketball season is starting. Although it’s fun for most to watch this sport, both live and on television, it’s also a fun activity that promotes fitness. Here are five healthy benefits of playing basketball recreationally, for both children and adults:

1. Basketball promotes cardiovascular fitness. This is probably the most obvious benefit. This sport requires extensive running and jumping, which gives the heart and lungs a thorough workout. Since it’s usually an enjoyable activity, the workout can last long enough to burn quite a few calories while strengthening the body.

2. This sport helps tone muscles. It’s true that basketball won’t build a lot of muscle, but the acts of running, jumping, dribbling, and shooting can help tone muscles in most individuals. For those who are not into lifting weights, basketball can be a convenient way to tone flabby arms or legs.

3. Basketball improves coordination. Especially when children and teens are the players, basketball is a great method for developing coordination among the hands, eyes, feet, legs, and arms. Practicing basketball on a regular basis can do wonders for many clumsy kids.

4. Shooting hoops helps develop socials skills and builds bonds. Since basketball is a social sport requiring at least two players, it’s also a great outlet for people to socialize in a healthy way. When teams are established and more than two players are involved, team work also comes into play. The social skills needed for basketball will help both children and adults succeed in other areas of life.

5. Playing basketball can help boost confidence. This is particularly true for basketball players who are children. Even for those who are not incredibly talented, each new skill developed or basket made will send a little boost to an individual’s ego. Being a part of a winning team is another part of basketball that can build confidence in many.