The definition of recreation can be very vague. But really what is it? It’s a sport, a pastime, a hobby, or any amusement. It can be anything that you do for leisure or fun. In times of old gardening wasn’t leisure. It was a chore, a necessity. Today many enjoy gardening and use it as a form of relaxation. Camping is another one that in times past was done out of necessity. Now folks enjoy the opportunity to get away from the noise and bustle of life by pitching a tent in the great outdoors. That is a big difference from yesteryear.
Today our resources afford us to include a wide range of activity or lack there of to be included in the definition of recreation. When modern technology and conveniences were not so common there weren’t as many options nor as much time available for leisurely activities. Think of the most common and simplest daily form of leisure activity of which most Americans choose to participate: the television. As time has progressed so has the technology of television. As we have gone from non existent, to black and white, to color, to cable, to digital cable with pay-per-view and premium channels the appeal to this pastime has grown. Stemming from the use of television has been the VCR and then the DVD players and let us not forget the many, many choices in video game play.
There are a vast amount of activities that can be brought to mind when the definition of recreation is considered. In sports alone the list can be quite extensive. Some sports come from far in the past being handed down from generation to generation. Some are relatively young like some of the extreme sports we see today. Then there are the arts and crafts venues of which the possibilities are as endless as the imagination. Some may choose reading or writing as their form of recreation.
The avenues that can be taken to bring about rest, relaxation and fun are endless. There is no limit to what people can consider recreation. Each individual has there own hobby as well as there own activity level. What is considered enjoyment on one particular day may not be so enjoyable the next day. By any stretch of the means recreation must include enjoyment in its definition. Whatever else is to be gotten from it is completely up to the individual.
Regardless of what it is that you consider recreation it is always important to include it in your life. It relieves the stress and worries of everyday life and can be every bit as important as a healthy diet and exercise. Everyone needs to be refreshed and needs an escape. What’s yours? Encourage yourself to find some form of recreation for your family and also for you alone to enjoy.
The Definition of Recreation – A Sport, a Pastime, a Hobby, Or Any Amusement
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Rock Climbing – The Sport
To participate in the sport of rock climbing, you don’t have to be a super athlete. It is more a sport of grace and balance rather than one of strength. What is the allure of rock climbing anyway? You will usually come away from an encounter with ripped hands and various scabby body parts and there will be times where you will be scared out of your wits. For many people it is about exploring the natural world around you and finding the strength and perseverance buried deep inside of you.
How do you get started in the sport of rock climbing? You don’t need to be young or overly fit. Many people begin climbing later in life and there are excellent climbers of all ages. Climbing is not only about strength either. There have been many men who have been humbled, by a graceful female, and the apparent ease with which she clambers over the rocks. Rock climbing is mostly about balance and knowing your body, and how to reposition it in space. You have to be creative when you are rock climbing because you have to adapt to what the rock you are climbing has to offer you. Your legs and feet are your most important tools for getting you up, though your upper body gets a fairly good work out as well.
Rock climbing is about overcoming your fear of the unknown. It is about learning to trust your instincts and your body to help you get through some rough patches. Rock climbing can be a solo sport or a social sport. The bond that exists between climbing partners is quite strong because you have to trust that person with your life, without questions and no mistakes are allowed.
It takes years of practice to perfect the basic moves. Rock climbing comes in many styles. Some basic rock climbing includes bouldering, free rock climbing, traditional rock climbing, indoor climbing, ice climbing, and alpine climbing. You can learn the basics of rock climbing at an indoor climbing gym before you make the move to the great outdoors. The sport of rock climbing is a sport that will leave you breathless from the beauty that surrounds you and proud of yourself for getting to the top unscathed.
Why High School Sports is Good News for Students
Sports programs have been an integral part of most high schools in America. They support the academic goals of schools, foster success in life. Moreover, these programs are educational and help produce productive citizenship. Typically costing less than two percent of a school’s overall budget, athletics are likely the best investment of any department of education. Students are the big winners because they learn valuable lessons that last a lifetime, including lessons involving character building, teamwork, self-discipline, and competitive attitudes.
Do you have a son or daughter participating in their school’s athletic program? If so, he or she is probably an above average student in the classroom. It’s a proven fact that participation in high school sports encourages better grades, self esteem, and a higher level of academic achievement. Granted, there have been hundreds of studies demonstrating successes from the student-athlete combination. This article reveals three of those studies.
In 1996, the Carnegie Corporation of New York discovered that students benefited from participating in high school sports. An improvement in grades, confidence, and personal health and welfare were appreciably noted in students involved in sports. In the class room, these students maintained greater discipline and a stronger work ethic in comparison to those who were not student athletes. The study, called “The Role of Sports in Youth Development”, also found that student athletes had higher-than-average social bonds with institutions and individuals.
Another study, this time by the Minnesota State High School League, found that 9 out of 10 students believe role models and leaders come from those participating in sports. A similar number of the almost 5,000 students polled felt that athletics encourages self-discipline. Clearly, such attributes must come from intensive guidance and are a derivity from physical activity training, teamwork, and a stronger desire to excel.
In 1991, the Hardiness Research (Casper, Wyoming) uncovered several interesting facts. Namely, male student athletes excel in school, don’t drop out, and have greater opportunities for graduating college. In fact, they are 100 percent more likely to see such results when compared to their non-athletic peers. Girls who participate in sports are three times as likely to achieve the same. The study, undertaken by Skip Dane, also showed that 92 percent don’t use drugs, have a higher degree of self-assuredness, take more difficult or honors classes, make better grades, are aware of college acceptance financial aid, and are more focused on life goals.
Got your attention? Ready to get out that set of gloves and play catch with your teen-ager? Great! Before you go, I’ll leave you with a few more encouraging facts. A professor at the University of Colorado produced probably one of the most widespread studies when he polled more than 20,000 students in 1999. He found that students who participate in an extra-curricular activity have “significantly higher” GPA than those who do not.
Perhaps it has always been obvious to you that high-school sports programs seem to produce leaders both on the field and off. You may have even noticed how a lot of the successful students at your school are also athletes. Well, now you’re armed with the facts.
If you want to know more about these and other studies, I encourage you to visit your state’s high school athletic association and become involved with your child’s future.
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