Calories Burned

If you want to reduce the amount of fat on your body or just want to maintain your athletic physique, burning calories through exercise is an effective way to meet your goals. According to Harvard Medical School, a 185-pound person will burn 355 calories during 30 minutes of flag or touch football. Given that recreational leagues often play hour-long games, expect to burn a significant number of calories during your football game.

Aerobic Exercise

Playing touch or flag football features stops and starts, but during each play, the sport is an aerobic exercise. The University of Miami Health System defines aerobic exercise an activity that is rhythmic, involves large muscle groups and is possible to maintain continuously. When you're running with the ball or chasing someone carrying the ball, you're getting short bursts of aerobic exercise. MayoClinic.com notes that benefits of aerobic exercise include helping maintain a healthy weight, improved stamina, reduced health risks and lower blood pressure.

Muscle Development and Agility

Lifting weights is a common way to build your muscles, but several sports allow you to build muscle without having to visit a gym. "The Freeport News" reports that when you play touch or flag football, the short bursts of sprinting help you develop the muscles in your legs and core. The sudden changes in direction that are part of a game of football can also help you improve your foot speed, balance and coordination.

Well-Being Benefits

When you're active, your body releases endorphin hormones, which can quickly create a feeling of happiness or even euphoria. MayoClinic.com reports that any form of exercise is a simple way of reducing your stress level and helping you forget about the stresses of the day. When your mind is engaged in the game of football, you don't have a chance to think about your job or the bills you need to pay. Many cities have coed touch or flag football leagues, which gives you the ability to meet new people.