5 Benefits You Can Get From Intramural Sports in College

5 Benefits You Can Get From Intramural Sports in College Many campuses have intramural sports teams - teams that arent eligible for athletic scholarships, arent as competitive as other sports on campus and generally take anyone who wants to join. Like many co-curricular activities, joining an intramural team can take a lot of time and energy - something that tends to be in short supply for busy college students - but if its something you think youd enjoy, it very well could be worth the commitment: A variety of studies have found there are great benefits to playing intramural sports.   1. Intramurals Are an Amazing Stress  Reliever Youll have no shortage of stress in college: exams, group projects, roommate drama, computer problems - you name it. With all that going on, its sometimes hard to fit fun into your calendar. Because intramural competitions have a set schedule, youre practically forced to set aside time to run around with your friends. Even for the most intense of intramural players, a little friendly competition should be a nice change of pace from the classroom and assignment deadlines. 2. They Provide Great Exercise While most college students would like to go to the gym on a regular basis, few actually do. With a predetermined time already in your schedule, your workout is more likely to happen. Youre also held accountable to show up by your teammates. In addition, the time will pass quicker than if you were alone in the gym. And you know that feeling when youre working out and you just want to cut the gym session short? You cant quite do that during a game. Team sports are a great way to push yourself - that can be hard to do when youre working out alone.   3. Theyre a Great Way to Meet People You may be getting used to seeing similar people in the courses for your major, in your residence hall or at the events you go to on campus. Intramurals can be a great way to meet students that you may not otherwise run into. In fact, you dont necessarily need to know anyone to join an intramural team, so signing up can quickly expand your social circle. 4. There Can Be Leadership  Opportunities Every team needs a captain, right? If youre looking to build your resume or test out your leadership skills, intramural teams can be a great place to start. 5. Its One of the Few Things Youll Do Just for Fun A lot of things you do in college probably have very specific goals and purposes: taking a class to meet a requirement, doing an assignment to get good grades, working to pay for school, etc. But you dont need to assign a purpose to intramural sports. After all, its flag football - youre not making a career out of it. Join a team because itll be fun. Go out and play just because you  can.