Sports That Provide a Good Workout
By Paul Rothbart
It's important to exercise if you want to stay healthy. Some people love to hit the gym or get in a good run. They find it exhilarating. But not everybody gets the same sensation. For some, training in a set routine is boring and difficult to maintain for a significant period of time. But everyone needs exercise. For those who don't enjoy a workout, it's a matter of adding fun and interest. That's where sports come into play. Competing with others for fun in a sport you enjoy is a great way to exercise. You get a good workout while focusing on the game, thus eliminating boredom. Here are some good choices for a sports workout.
Court Sports
Basketball, tennis, and volleyball are all played on a court. Another thing they have in common is the way they effectively provide your body with exercise. All three sports push your cardiovascular system, building endurance as well as strengthening the heart and lungs. They involve jumping, running, and hand-eye coordination. This works many muscle groups. Most communities have indoor and outdoor courts for all three of these sports. You can play with as few as two people, or for basketball go full court with 10. For an average person, an hour of tennis or basketball will burn approximately 600 calories, while the same time spent playing volleyball burns about 300.
Golf
Golf seems like a sedentary sport, especially if you use a cart. But golf is deceptive in that way. Walking 18 holes is a very good workout. Walking is good for cardio, and hitting the ball works muscle groups, builds coordination, and is very good for improving concentration. You don't have to be a PGA pro. A casual game of golf will burn about 330 calories. In fact, the more strokes you take, the more exercise you get. You can play alone or with a small group. Public courses are not very expensive and usually rent clubs.
Cycling
Cycling, either on a road or mountain biking on trails is fun and great exercise. You are actually going places, seeing things. You can do it in nature or around town. The changing view is stimulating and if you like, you can race a friend or two. Cycling is excellent for cardio, and builds very strong lower body muscles. It's also good for balance. You could even enter a race if you feel up to it. The average person will burn about 580 calories in an hour biking at a casual pace. Picking up the pace will increase the burn to as much as 1,200 calories.
Exercise is vital to good health, but some people don't like the drudgery of working out. Try one or more of these sports to add a fun component to your exercise. Get a great workout, socialize, and maybe win a few games. Winning always feels good.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor in Colorado Springs, Colo.