From organized leagues to pickup games in the park, these are some of the best sports to play if you’re looking to manage your weight.
Some say the most efficient way to exercise is when you don’t feel like you’re exercising.
There’s some logic to that; after all, you’re more likely to stick with something over a period of time if you enjoy it.
That’s one of the main reasons why health & fitness gurus advocate sports as a primary form of exercise. Fitness essentially becomes the ‘game within the game’, as you’ll become preoccupied with the ball/puck/curling rock and the opposing team rather than tracking times, sets, and reps. Plus, if the intensity ramps up, you’ll need to play – and therefore, work – harder by association.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and sports is an easy way to hit that plateau.
From organized leagues to pickup games in the park, these are some of the best sports to play if you’re looking to manage your weight. (Ranked from lowest to highest calories burned).
6. Soccer
The ultimate cardio sport, a competitive soccer game can have you moving throughout the entire 90 minutes. It’s not a constant punishment on your legs either; the required changes of pace and direction will keep your soccer workout fresh. Non-competitive games can offer the same health benefits – you just need to play hard!
Calories burned at…
130 pounds: 434 calories
180 pounds: 601 calories
5. Rowing
Arguably the best full-body workout, advocates of rowing will tell you it works out muscles you didn’t know you had. Maintaining just a moderate pace offers a low-impact and total-body exercise.
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Calories burned at…
130 pounds: 434 calories
180 pounds: 601 calories
4. Basketball
Another game that can be played casually, there is one caveat to get the full benefits of basketball: you should play full court. The back and forth running synonymous with a basketball game is like doing suicide runs, except you get to throw down the hammer at the end.
Calories burned at…
130 pounds: 496 calories
180 pounds: 687 calories
3. Football
Even with the stop-and-go nature of football, it’s still an active sport that will help your calorie count. You don’t need to play a full-contact, bone-crushing chaotic game to get the benefits of the sport – even flag or touch will do. Just steer clear of headshots, and wear appropriate equipment!
Calories burned at…
130 pounds: 496 calories
180 pounds: 687 calories
2. Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is also the ultimate sport to shed unwanted poundage. The underrated sport involves constant running, which builds cardio and endurance, as well as making for a healthier heart.
Related: Why Ultimate Frisbee is the Ultimate Sport for Kids
Calories burned at…
130 pounds: 496 calories
180 pounds: 687 calories
1. Rock Climbing
The higher and higher you go, the more and more calories you’ll burn. Rock climbing requires tremendous strength, dexterity, and flexibility for a full-body workout. It’s a form of resistance training, has cardio elements, and is a known builder of strength – rock climbing covers all the bases of an efficient calorie-cutting activity.
Calories burned at…
130 pounds: 683 calories
180 pounds: 945 calories
