Physical Benefits:   

• helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.

• Helps control weight and reduce fat.

• Helps keep blood pressure within a healthy range.

• Improved strength and flexibility

• Better performance of heart and lungs

• Increased Immune System to fight illness

• Decreased risk of getting certain diseases 

• THIS ARTICLE FROM HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL cites a BUNCH of additional benefits to Physical Health

Benefits to spiritual health:

People who regularly engage in physical activity including sports, can learn foundational principles of sportsmanship, determination, effort, cooperation, practice and often, what is right & wrong through participation in athletics and other activities  

Mental & Emotional Benefits: 

• Enhanced self-confidence

• Sharpened mental alertness

• Reduced stress

• More relaxed attitude

• More enjoyment of free time

• Improved grades and academic performance (SEE ARTICLES BELOW)

Benefits to social health:

• Additional chances to meet new people and gain new relationships

• Opportunities to share common goals with others

• Increased ability to interact and cooperate with others

• Opportunities to use talents to help others