Squash

source: http://www.myhimagazine.com/sports/squash-the-healthiest-sport/

Squash; the Healthiest Sport

By Ali Auta

Squash is an indoor racquet sport that is played by two or four players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. Squash is a fast-moving and high-impact sport that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout but can place strain on the joints, especially the knees.

Squash may not have the sophisticated ring to it as its counterparts like tennis or racquetball, squash sounds well- to me it sounds more edible than playable. But according to Forbes magazine, squash — the game — is the healthiest sport an individual can undertake — better than rowing, rock climbing, swimming, cross country skiing or basketball, all runners-up in the scheme of fitness.

Note taking into cognizance is the sheer fun of standing inside a room almost the size of a large bedroom and hitting a little ball as hard as is physically possible.

Squash is a game that can be played at any age. It is easy to learn and there are modified games and equipments to suite every size and skill level. It is a game that can be played for leisure or for competitive purposes.

Squash is a strenuous sport in which a player can use a lot more energy than most other sports. Squash helps to:

• Improve cardiovascular health; a game of squash will see you running, leaping and diving for the ball.
• Increase strength and fitness
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase flexibility and strength in the back
• Increase coordination, agility and flexibility
• Build hand-eye coordination

Other benefits of squash include:

• Improves general and psychological wellbeing
• Greater self confidence and self esteem
• Better social skills and opportunity to make new friends
• Improves concentration
• Stress release
• All weather activity- as it is an indoor sport; weather condition does not stop you from playing it.

Getting Started

Squash is a high-impact and very strenuous sport. As it also involves a lot of energy, with frequent stopping and starting, it is important to follow these safety tips:

• See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or haven’t exercised for a long time.
• Don’t play if you have a heart condition.
• Always wear protective eyewear.
• Wear purpose-designed squash shoes or indoor court shoes to ensure appropriate grip on the floor and stability to protect your ankles.
• Do warm-ups before you begin to play.
• Ensure you have shoes with good ankle support.
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after playing.
• Do cool-down exercises after you finish your game.
• Don’t push yourself too far or too fast, especially if you are a beginner.

Playing squash is as simple and short as this write so what are you waiting for? If I were you I will go out there and SQUASH THE SQAUSH. Remember you are a CHAMPION!