Exercise and World Cup Soccer

Sunday, June 13, 2010

This weekend the 2010 World Cup Soccer is kicking off in South Africa. There is a frenzy of excitement around the world in South Africa. It seems more of a nationalistic expression instead of a sport's activity. There are millions of visitors from around the world in various cities in South Africa where the world cup venue will take place. Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Rustenburg, and Nelspruit will have millions of visitors for the sole purpose of soccer. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It is known as football in many countries (except, of course, the United States). I am not a dedicated fan of soccer, but I do recognize the value of playing soccer as an exercise.

Soccer is a great exercise. Similar to basketball, you can do many of the kicking drills yourself. Personally, I think basketball is the best sport you can use to get a great workout. Soccer is still a great sport that you can get a great workout. If you look at the World Cup Soccer players, you will not find a single fat player. Soccer has probably the most running than any other sport. The running is not at one speed (like how most people do cardiovascular workouts). Instead, there is a lot of stop and go with varying degrees of acceleration in the running. This is similar to doing a quality interval training program for your body. You can even try to put cones around your backyard. Then, try to maneuver yourself with the soccer ball around the cones. It takes a lot of energy to do this drill quickly and efficiently. Most of the World Cup soccer players can run in incredible bursts of speed and controlling a ball while other soccer players are trying to get the ball from you. Many times these same players will try to take your legs out or knock you down. That sounds like a great reason to run fast or pass the soccer ball off.

So go ahead and kick the ball around with your kids or by yourself during the breaks when you are watching the World Cup Soccer on television. You can get a great exercise and spend some time with your kids. Many of the soccer matches have some interesting match-ups especially the one where the United States is going against the England. I am sure that will be one match which has a lot of people watching. Whatever the outcome of the soccer match, you can always kick the soccer ball around as an exercise to keep you active.

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