Cory Powers on the Health Benefits of Volleyball

Popular Sport Helps Players Physically and Mentally

Cory Powers says that more than 37 million people in the United States play volleyball, making it the second most popular participant team sport. Globally, 800 million people play the sport, making it the world’s most popular participant team sport. Volleyball is popular because it is fun, competitive, and provides several health benefits, according to Cory Powers, general manager of operations and sales at Home Court Advantage.

Burns Calories and Fat

Playing volleyball helps you maintain or lose weight. The average adult burns between 90 to 130 calories per half hour of noncompetitive beach volleyball and 120 to 178 calories per half hour of competitive play in the gym. Volleyball also strengthens muscles, especially in the shoulders and arms.

Builds Cardio Fitness

Volleyball also builds cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. You expend about the same amount of energy in 15 minutes as you would running a mile, says Powers. Volleyball also helps circulate more blood, oxygen, and nutrients into the body and increases energy levels.

Improves Coordination and Agility

Playing volleyball also improves coordination, especially hand-eye coordination. Because the game changes direction quickly, successful players need flexibility, good balance, and speed, he says.

Builds Interpersonal Skills

Volleyball is a team sport that requires cooperation and communication. Successful teams encourage each other and help each other do their best. They also treat each other with respect. The teamwork skills you learn in volleyball carry over into your personal and work life, helping to make your life more harmonious.

Helps You Sleep

About 14 percent of people have trouble falling asleep at night. Studies link physical activity with better sleep. Volleyball makes you tired and also helps you relax, making rest easier. Better sleep improves job and school performance, moods, and mental and physical health.

Improves Mental Health

Playing volleyball can also improve your mental health. Physical activity relieves stress. If you’re participating in a fun activity like volleyball, your body will release endorphins and improve your mood. As your skills improve, you gain confidence and self-esteem soars, Cory Powers says.

Volleyball is also a social game. It brings teammates together and can help players make friends. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and can help you keep life’s challenges in perspective, he says.