我曾逃避团队运动，如今却因它而改变

时文摘要

我曾经因为手脚不协调和过分的好胜心，一直躲着团队运动，觉得它只会让人烦躁。但最新研究却让我改变了想法——团队运动不仅比独自锻炼更有益身心健康，还能靠社交属性让人更坚持、表现更好，现在我甚至要和朋友一起跑半马了。

Growing up, I avoided team sports at all costs. Eye-hand coordination just isn’t my strong suit. Plus, I have a pernicious competitive streak. Pair the two together and sport became a source of frustration rather than fun. But recent studies are making me rethink that attitude. It turns out that group exercise, especially team sports, may be better for our health than working out alone.

A 2023 analysis found that participating in sport, either recreationally or competitively, is linked with lower stress, less anxiety and better mental health, such as higher self-esteem. And these effects were especially pronounced in team sports. In fact, such sports seem to improve mental well-being more than other forms of exercise, regardless of the amount of physical activity.

The social aspect may also enhance sport’s physical benefits. For one, exercising with others increases the likelihood of showing up to work out. In a 2024 study, more than 770 participants received a cash reward each day they visited the gym. But some of them also had to bring a friend to cash in. These people turned up about 35 per cent more frequently than those who could arrive alone. A follow-up survey suggested this was because a workout buddy increased accountability and made exercising more enjoyable.

Other research has revealed that this enjoyment might even improve performance. One study of people who took part in free communal runs found that those who did so with friends and family felt more energised, which, in turn, was linked to running faster. Research into competitive rowers, meanwhile, discovered that those who looked at a photo of a loved one while rowing could exercise for about 20 per cent longer than those staring at a stranger’s photo.

I find this comforting. It has also helped me to focus on the cooperative aspect of sports, instead of their competitive side. I am running a half-marathon with my best friend soon and she has suggested we run side by side. I think that may be just what I need to help me cross the finish line.

1. 1.What does the 2023 analysis suggest about team sports compared to other exercises?

A More effective for mental health.

B Better for reducing stress.

C Requiring more physical effort.

D Increasing self-esteem greatly.

2. 2.What can be inferred from the 2024 study about exercising with others?

A Increased gym attendance.

B More financial rewards.

C Greater personal enjoyment.

D Improved health results.

3. 3.What does the underlined word “communal” most likely mean in the context?

A Public.