An English study has shown the benefits of sport on the mental and physical health of its supporters.
- The study was conducted in June 2022 among 2,000 British sports fans via OnePoll.
- 33 million French people are sports fans.
What if watching the matches of the Women’s Euro or the Women’s Tour de France currently taking place was a cure for depression? This is according to a study published by Better, a local business and charity specializing in sports. Almost 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.
socialization
This is particularly because sport is good for socialization, essential for balanced mental health. According to the survey results, one in two respondents said watching sports helped them connect with family and friends. Additionally, 35% said that just watching sports made them feel part of a community. And the benefits would not only be felt on mental health but also on physical health.
Do more sport
According to the study, a third of respondents (34%) feel motivated to do more sport because it “helped to get up and become more active“, can we read on the Better site. In fact, a fifth of women watch their favorite team while exercising at home or from the gym.
Disparities
The benefits they derive from sport are, however, one of the only areas that unites supporters. Indeed, also comparing the general fitness level of fans in Britain according to their favorite sport and levels of daily exercise, participation in sport, sport viewing habits, healthy eating and alcohol consumption, the study shows disparities between groups of supporters.
For example, cycling and tennis fans rank first among the healthiest athletes. Formula 1 fans were the most active supporters with 34% saying they averaged more than 60 minutes of exercise per day. They are followed by football fans (33%), golfers coming last with tennis fans (28%).
enthusiasm
Another element: when it comes to playing sports, golf fans are the most enthusiastic, with 76% saying they play sometimes or often, followed by cycling fans (75%). At the other end of the table, football and rugby fans come last with only 56% saying they practice their sport regularly.
