Sports and Television- Phil Thow’s Opinion on How Watching Sports Can Increase Brain Power

According to the University of Chicago, who did a study in 2008, watching sports can actually enhance people’s brain power. The terminology and statistics that are involved in various sports are very complicated to learn, and for the people that know them, this can enhance a part of their brain that was previously untapped. People who know things about sports and can recall statistics and various plays without actually seeing them happen show more activity in one area of the brain than people who know nothing about sports, according to Phil Thow.

Phil Thow also suggests that using specific sports lingo is an essential part of the benefits of watching sports on television based on the study that was done. It gives the person a better idea of what is actually happening, and teaches them something new, and yet still exciting. Who knew there was so much learning to be found in one of America’s favorite pastimes? The slang that is used to commentate on sporting events is picked up by those who listen and watch, and then when they aren’t watching the sport, they can recreate the movements and plays on their own. Sounds pretty cool, right?

There are some people out there who are reading this who probably won’t see the significance of this. They are thinking ‘so what, they can memorize sports plays. Why can’t they remember to get milk after work?’ Well, watching sports doesn’t improve memory, according to Phil Thow. It is a fun pastime for many, and the improvement to the brain that happens isn’t related to the everyday activity as much. It’s more about how the brain’s cognition can be based on its interaction with the physical environment. Cognitively speaking, this is exciting information. For sports fans, it’s just another excuse to watch the game.

What difference does it make if people can better use their brains to remember sports moves and stats if there is no practical application for it? Well, eventually there will be some effect on everyday life down the road according to Phil Thow. For example, if someone isn’t very good at math, but then they begin watching baseball and keeping track of statistics, it can help them improve their skills in a relatable learning method. Perhaps you just want an excuse to watch the game instead of helping your wife cook dinner. Maybe the kids just want a reason to stay up late and watch the game. It doesn’t matter what your intentions are for watching sports, or which sports you enjoy, because it’s doing your brain good, so watch away says Phil Thow.