Picking an enjoyable sport will ensure you commit to physical activity, as you can have a little fun while maximizing your health and fitness. You will also be less likely to make excuses, and will push yourself a little bit further. If you are looking for an enjoyable exercise, consider the twelve best sports to lose weight and burn calories.
Golf
Did you know that spending a day on the golf course can help you burn a considerable number of calories? In addition to swinging your club, you will need to walk across the green while pulling your golf clubs, which can help you enjoy a healthy weight loss. For example, if you weigh 130 pounds, you could burn 267 calories. However, if you weigh 180 pounds, you could burn a whopping 397 calories.
Of course, every beginner will need a set of clubs, balls and tees to get started, which you can use on the golf course, driving range or at home. For buying advice, we recommend reading the 6 best golf tees reviews.
Swimming
Burn between 500 to 800 calories per hour by swimming. It’s, therefore, a great sporting exercise to help you lose or maintain weight while toning your body. What’s more, the exercise will not impact your joints, as your body will have freedom of moment in the water. Swimming laps will also allow you to embrace a competitive mindset, and you might be surprised by how quickly you will tire.
Tennis
Playing tennis not only allows you to enjoy a little bit of friendly competition with your opponent, but it is an effective workout that can burn between 600 to 900 calories per hour. You will also burn more playing singles than doubles, as you will cover more ground throughout the match. The sport works almost every muscle in your body, especially your shoulders and forearms.
Rugby
No other sport is more competitive than rugby. It’s a game that forces you to work hard, dig deep and do everything in your power to win a game. It’s no wonder it can help you to burn between 600 to 900 calories every hour. Join a league that complements your skill level, which will allow you to have some fun, embrace your competitive side and burn a substantial number of calories.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a game that requires fast movements and quick changes, so it is an effective workout for losing or maintaining weight. Playing a game of ice hockey could help you to burn between 650 to 900 calories per hour, and you’ll love feeling part of a close-knit team both on and off the ice.
Soccer
Have you noticed all soccer stars have a slim, athletic frame? That’s because the sport can burn between 900 to 1,400 calories per hour. You’ll walk, jog and sprint during a game, as the sport requires you to be constantly on-the-move. Also, as a pitch offers a large dimension, you will cover a lot of ground. It’s a sport that will trigger almost every muscle in your body, as you’ll have to jog backwards, forwards and from side to side. However, make sure to stretch before and after the game to avoid one of the many common injuries many soccer players can experience.
Basketball
Another sport that requires you to be constantly moving is basketball. All that running around the court could help you burn a fantastic 728 calories per hour, so it’s a fun exercise that will create a healthy body. So, grab your friends and hit the court to enjoy some friendly competition while developing a fitter, happier body.
Running
Many of us know that running is one of the best forms of physical activity you can perform. In fact, running at 8 miles per hour can help to burn 1,074 calories, so you’ll need to ensure you fuel your body before and after the exercise. You could even make the activity more challenging by training for a marathon, which will provide the motivation you need to train hard, so you can make your way across the finish line.
Baseball
Even if you can’t hit a home run as good as Babe Ruth, you should still play a game of baseball every now and then. The much-loved American sport can help you shave 455 calories per hour off your daily calorific intake. It’s, therefore, a great exercise to shed the pounds, boost your fitness and have a little fun.
Volleyball
Do you live by the beach? If so, you should definitely enjoy a game of volleyball in your spare time. Not only is it an enjoyable sport in the great outdoors, but it will also help you to burn 364 calories each hour. So, you’ll feel more confident in a swimsuit after each game you play.
Rowing
All you need for a spot of rowing is a canoe and a buddy to go with you. When performed at a moderate pace, rowing can provide a full-body, low-impact exercise. People that weigh 130 pounds could shed 434 calories, while those that weigh 180 pounds can burn 601 calories. You could even join a competitive team to speed up your pace and burn calories at a faster rate.
Bowling
Many people don’t think about bowling for shedding the pounds, as it is merely viewed as a fun and competitive pastime to experience with family or friends. However, all that lifting and throwing could help you say goodbye to 263 calories per hour. So, the next time you’re looking for a fun activity with your partner or friends, suggest a game of bowling. Your body will thank you for it.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend many an hour at the gym to lose weight and burn calories. As you can see, there are a range of sporting activities for you to try to help you develop a stronger, fitter and healthier body. So, find a sport that suits your needs and personality, as you will be more likely to stick to it each week.