Playing sports at school makes people “grittier” and harder working, boosts the chances of achieving long-term goals, and having successful careers, say scientists. The Ohio State University team analyzed National Sports and Society Survey data on almost 4, 000 men and women across the US and asked study participants to rate themselves on a scale of 1-5 on eight statements. They included “I am diligent. I never give up.” And “I am a hard worker”. None of the statements was directly related to sports. 34% of those who did sports as a youngster scored high on the grit scale, compared to 23% of peers who gave up. One in four of those who never played sports ranked low, compared to just 17% of those who did. Lead author Dr. Emily Nothnagle said practicing drills on the field can improve pupils’ lives for decades, adding “The grit they develop from playing sports can help them for the rest of their lives”.

The findings, published in the journal Leisure Sciences, were supported by more sophisticated (复杂的) statistical analyses that accounted for respondents’ demographic (人口的) characteristics. But it appears only children who keep at it-and play continually—get the benefit, say the researchers. Some may just be born with the grit to help them succeed at sports as a young person and then continue to benefit from that trait as an adult. “Quitting could reflect a lack of perseverance, which is a crucial component of grit,” said a researcher. “It could also make quitting an activity, and not persevering, easier the next time.”

Adults who played sports as kids generally perceived the experience helped improve their work ethic, and that perception was linked to their grit scores as adults even though the researchers said people can gain or lose grit throughout life.

Yoga has a well-deserved reputation for helping improve balance and flexibility and for inducing calm and relaxation. But as for weight loss, many people assume other types of exercise will benefit more. While you might not burn as many calories by practicing yoga as you would by running or doing some other high-intensity activities, yoga can still raise your heart rate and help build muscle. 【小题1】

● Reduce stress and reduce pounds. Yoga helps deal with stress. 【小题2】 Yoga has an impact on the body’s stress response and reduces the production of chemicals linked to weight gain, such as cortisol (皮质醇), a stress hormone.

● Move well and eat well. 【小题3】 Participants involved in yoga practice realize that they tend to notice not only the amount of food they eat, but also what type of foods they eat and the impact of eating those foods. They become aware of the effect of certain foods on their bodies during their yoga practice.

● 【小题4】 Doing yoga long term not only can help people lose weight but also can strengthen cognitive skills to help keep it off. A multiyear study examines the possibility of yoga maintaining weight loss. Its findings suggest that yoga may help to improve long-term weight loss outcomes via improvements in distress tolerance, self-compassion and a more positive mood.

Yoga is a very reasonable form of exercise, but you have to choose the right type. A 2021 study found no difference in weight loss totals for participants practicing a gentle, restorative yoga versus a more vigorous type of yoga. 【小题5】 Everybody can benefit from a yoga practice.

Tai Chi is on the rise as more and more people discover the health benefits that come from regular practice. 【小题1】 It's also a relaxing exercise that calms the mind while it energizes and strengthens the body. Many Westerners love Tai Chi because it provides a low-impact (低强度) workout that strengthens the belly and thigh muscles without putting any tension on the joints.

Tai Chi is quite easy to learn. Many recreation centers and community groups offer classes, sometimes in parks and other public places. 【小题2】 Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing when you go to class, and tennis shoes or shoes you don't mind standing and moving in.

One of the major benefits of Tai Chi is that it's a sport you can practice for life. 【小题3】 The strengthening and balance moves are hugely beneficial to their continued mobility. Also, the slow pace of Tai Chi makes it a great stress-reliever. As you focus on your breathing and posture (姿势), your mind can clear itself of its worries, and that does your whole body good.

【小题4】 All you need is your own body and enough room to stand in. You can do Tai Chi on a mountaintop, in the desert, on an ocean beach, or in the middle of a forest. 【小题5】 And it’s a lot of fun. So next time you see someone doing Tai Chi, ask them about it. They just might offer to teach you the forms of this fascinating sport.