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Knock It out of the Park
The Benefits of Joining a Sports League
By Mark Stackpole
Of course, Pinsky is quick to point out that these activities also "provide the opportunity to work off some of the anger and frustration that are inevitable and normal byproducts of the parenting experience. Sometimes we need to get into a setting where we can yell at someone for making a mistake. Call it 'blowing off steam.' When a 3-year-old spills a glass of milk, we say, 'Oopsie, let's clean that up,' which can sometimes require a bit of self-control. Meanwhile, when your shortstop boots an easy ground ball, it can be strangely therapeutic to indulge in a bit of name-calling."
That desire for fun and competition is another important reason for men to stay active. Dr. Stan Myers, a professor of psychology at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., believes that competition also adds spice to life. "I think many people retain their desire to compete as they get older, and sports activity is a great way to do this," he says.
Guys are also much more likely to stick with an activity that they find to be enjoyable. "As we get older, we tend to get lazy or busy, and an activity which we enjoy is important," Myers says. "Many people find exercise for the sake of exercise to be unfulfilling, and because of that, adherence is not as good as it is for something which is fun and also provides exercise."
