Lose Weight with Sports

  When many people think of exercise, they think of two things; running distances, and lifting weights. The problem is that many people just find them boring. There are some people who love to play sports, but only do so occasionally. If these people realized how much exercise they get from playing their favorite sports, they may be more inclined to play more often. My only explanation is that people feel they don’t have time.  While every sport burns calories and is great exercise, there are a few sports that are popular, or are surprising, and burn calories.

I attempted to play a pick-up game of volleyball with Kevin of Weight Loss Journal, but I didn’t realize the level of the competition. Many of the players were in a league and had their exact positioning down. I’m better than the average person who hasn’t played in a while (since I hadn’t either), but I’m not ready to compete with those who do play quite often.

Soccer.  Many people who do not like exercise and running look at soccer and laugh; they could never see themselves running up and down a field for a long period of time. Those who enjoy soccer, however, should know that they are burning a lot of calories and getting a lot of exercise out of soccer. Soccer, depending on the level of competitiveness, can burn between 500 and 800 calories per hour; this is great exercise.

Beach Volleyball.  Beach volleyball has always been a major pastime for people who are at summer holiday parties and are spending time at the beach. Beach volleyball, especially the competitive type, can burn a lot of calories. Some types of beach volleyball can actually burn over 600 calories per hour.

Table Tennis.  In a more interesting and nearly humorous way to exercise, competitive table tennis can actually burn around 300 calories per hour. While many people do not work nearly as hard as competitive table tennis players, it is still a great excuse to play.

Pick Up Games.  Many NFL and NBA fans consistently play pick up games as a way to enjoy their favorite sports. Playing pick up games of football or basketball can burn over 600 calories per hour. Many people play pick up games on occasion; to get a lot of exercise, people should play these games more often.

While some of these sports are popular, and others may seem a little more off-beat, each one can help someone get their exercise in without making it seem like “exercise”. Sports are hard work, and constantly help people to lose weight and burn calories. By attempting to play a favorite sport more often, and for longer periods of time, some people may not even need to use the normal avenues of running and lifting for their exercise needs.