The United States is a sports-loving nation. Sports in America take various forms: organized competitive struggles, athletic games, hunting and fishing. Most sports are seasonal, so that what is happening in sports depends upon the time of year.

Baseball is the most popular sport in the US. It is played throughout the spring and summer, and professional baseball teams play well into the fall.

Football is the most popular sport in the fall. The game originated as a college sport more than 75 years ago. It’s not the same as European football or soccer. In American football there are 11 players as well on each team, and they are dressed in padded uniforms and helmets because the game is rough and injuries are likely to occur. It is still played by almost every college and university in the country.

Basketball is the winner sport in American schools and colleges. Like football, basketball originated in the US, many Americans prefer it to football because it is played indoors throughout the winter and because it is a faster game. And the famous NBA games are considered the best of this game.

Other sports attracting a great many people include wrestling, boxing and horse racing. Although horse-racing fans call themselves sportsmen, the exactness of the term is questionable, as only the jockeys who ride the horses in the races can be considered athletes. The so-called sportsmen are the spectators, who do not come primarily to see the horses race, but to bet (打赌) upon the outcome of cach race. Gambling is the attraction of horse racing.

Exercising regularly not only helps you keep slim, but also improves your overall health and well-being. Different exercises produce different results, as they focus on alternate parts of the body. There are four broad exercise categories: endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. Many people often only focus on one exercise type, but including all four in your workout will produce better results and reduce your risk of injury.

Endurance

Endurance exercises increase your breathing and heart rate. By doing endurance exercises, you are working to keep your heart, lungs, and blood-flow system healthy while improving your total fitness. Over time these activities will make everyday activities seem easier.

Strength

If you want to build up your muscles, then strength exercises, which are also known as “resistance training”, are right for you. Even the slightest increase in strength can make a huge difference in your ability to carry out daily tasks. Developing strong muscles also reduce your risk of weak bones.

Flexibility

Flexibility exercises help stretch your body’s muscles. This allows for more freedom of movement for other exercises and can also improve your range of motion, posture, ability to breathe deeply, and blood flow. Also, it reduces the muscle tension caused by stress.

Balance

Balance exercises help prevent falls and are especially important to older adults, helping them stay independent. Most good balance exercises are ones that keep you constantly moving with your feet on the ground. Heel-to-toe walking and standing on one foot are simple ways to improve balance.

Sports is getting its increasing popularity among teens. Many teens in high school want to try sports because they think it will make them popular. 【小题1】 Here are some of them.

With electronic products becoming more popular, it has become much easier for teens to be by themselves. Kids used to hang out around the town; now they just sit at home. 【小题2】 In this case, they’ll learn how to interact and work as a team — something they’ll find useful later in life.

【小题3】 Playing a team sport will help your teens get some exercise to lose weight or get into shape. What’s more, these days, it is becoming harder to show your teens that you love and support them. A great way to do this is by showing up while they are playing games. You can also help them practice, and help with the team fund-raising. These are also great ways to spend time with your kids and talk to them.

You may think your teens aren’t good enough to make their school team. 【小题4】 There are plenty of other places besides the school to play team sports. You can also check other “for-fun clubs”. You could look into sports that you may not have thought of. If you do a little research, you are sure to find something your teens will enjoy.

Sports are a great way for your teens to get out of the house, get moving, make friends, and even get a scholarship to college. 【小题5】