“Football is a broad-spectrum medicine”

A review of 31 studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that individuals who participated in regular football training reduced their risk of hypertension, lost fat, increased muscle mass, improved blood cholesterol levels, glucose tolerance and lowered their resting heart rate. 

The review evaluated studies that included both men and women aged between 18 and 75.  Peter Krustrup, PhD, professor and head of the Sports and Health Sciences Research Unit at the University of Southern Denmark said, “Football is a broad-spectrum medicine for patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.” 

Football training and drills include endurance training, high intensity interval training and strength training consisting of turns, jumps, tackles, shots and sprints all of which improve health and fitness.