Get In Shape While Having Fun and Competing

Intramural programs provide a great opportunity for those who don’t have the time or abilities to compete in competitive university athletics. Many people also feel more motivated to exercise when they’re playing in an organized program rather than following a personal fitness regimen. Studies have shown that students that play Intramurals in college not only experience enhanced health such as increased cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, but also have better circulation, and reduced overweight/obesity. Studies by the National Intramural Sports Association (NIRSA) and others have shown that students that participate in organized recreation programs such as Intramurals in college are able to avoid or reduce “The Freshman 15” in which the average college freshmen gains up to 15 lbs their first year of attending college and an additional 7-9 lbs their Sophomore year.

Meet Others and Form Lasting Friendships

Another clear benefit of playing intramural sports is the opportunity for socialization and integration into college life. Peer reviewed studies have shown that students that participate in Intramurals experience an enhanced college experience by developing long lasting relationships and becoming more engaged with the institution. By developing relationships with their teammates, participants develop more of a “sense of belonging” to the community that helps them cope and adjust better to the stressors of college life. Many maintain these relationships throughout their college career and for years after they graduate along with their sense of belonging to the Mountain Lion community.

Reduce Stress and Increase Your Academic Success

Studies conducted by NIRSA and others have shown that students that participate in Intramurals in college also develop better sleep patterns, experience less depression and anxiety, and have elevated levels of norepinephrine and endorphins in the body which can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a calming effect after exercise that can improve achievement. Some researchers have shown participants in Intramural Sports develop higher levels of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and personal responsibility, all of which have also been shown by college retention experts to be related to higher levels of academic motivation, institutional commitment, degree commitment, scholastic conscientiousness, and ultimately higher GPA scores and graduation rates.

Help Your College Grow

Institutions should also take note of the benefits of promoting their intramural programs. NIRSA finds from their own studies that such programs help in student recruitment and retention. For instance, researcher Scott Forester, who surveyed 33,500 students from colleges and universities across the nation, found that 62% of students report that campus recreation programs such as Intramurals influenced their decision of which college/university to attend. Forrester also found that 67% of students report that campus recreation programs influenced their decisions to continue attending their chosen college/university.