Do you want to lean out and get rid of belly fat? Do you hate having to slave away in the gym to see results?
Here’s some good news if you answered yes to either question. There are other ways to exercise besides working out in a gym.
Playing sports is a great alternative that will help you stay active and get in shape. But, it’s important to remember that some sports are going to be more effective than others when it comes to weight loss.
Read on to learn more about the top ten sports that burn the most calories.
Top 10 Sports That Burn the Most Calories
If you’re interested in taking up a sport that will help burn fat and get healthier, these ten are great ones to consider.
1. Running
Running and jogging are both great fat-burning sports.
It doesn’t matter if you run purely for fun around your neighborhood or if you want to train for a race like 5k or half-marathon. Depending on your weight and skill level, you can burn up to 800 calories per hour while running.
Running also has a much lower barrier to entry compared to other sports. All you need are a good pair of shoes!
2. Swimming
When it comes to burning lots of calories, swimming is right up there with running. You can burn up to 900 calories per hour while swimming laps.
Swimming is a good alternative to running and other high-impact sports. It’s especially beneficial for people who have joint issues.
Of course, you do need to have access to a pool. But, many public pools have low monthly rates and make it easy for you to get a membership.
3. Football
Whether you strap on pads and a helmet or opt for a flag or touch football, this is a great sport for people who want to have fun and burn a lot of calories — up to 700 per hour.
Unlike swimming and running, which can be done completely on your own, football also gives you an opportunity to be part of a team and make new friends.
4. Tennis
Tennis is another fun sport that lets you do some socializing while also burning between 600 and 900 calories per hour.
To burn the greatest number of calories, singles tennis is better than doubles since you have to run more and cover more ground during each match.
Keep in mind that, because there’s a lot of running and fast direction changes required in tennis, it’s best for people who don’t have any kind of knee or ankle problems.
5. Martial Arts
All forms of martial arts, from karate and judo to tae kwon do, are great calorie burners. They’ll also help you improve your overall strength and mobility and become a more disciplined, mindful individual.
Some people shy away from martial arts because they’re not interested in fighting or grappling. Remember that you can practice these sports without ever having to fight another person. You’ll still experience the same calorie-burning benefits.
6. Rock Climbing
If you want to burn calories and build major strength, rock climbing is the sport for you. You can burn close to 700 calories per hour while rock climbing, whether you’re on a mountainside or in a rock climbing gym.
Rock climbing gyms are generally a better place to start. You’ll have access to rental equipment, and you’ll get to learn from professionals who can teach you everything you need to know to stay safe and make progress.
7. Basketball
Because it involves a lot of running and jumping, basketball is a great calorie burner.
You can burn close to 700 calories per hour during a basketball game. Shooting hoops is a lot less effective, but you can still burn about 350 calories per hour.
Basketball is also easy to get into. Lots of cities and towns have public courts that are available free of charge. In most places, you can also join a league for a low fee.
8. Soccer
Soccer is another sport that keeps you moving and burning tons of calories. In fact, you can burn between 900 and 1,400 calories per hour during a typical game!
Soccer also lets you work on your agility and flexibility, so it’s perfect for improving overall skill in addition to losing weight.
9. Skiing and Snowboarding
Think it’s impossible to lose weight in the winter? Think again.
Skiing and snowboarding are two popular winter sports that allow you to burn a ton of calories. Cross-country skiing yields a calorie-burn of about 1,260 per hour, and downhill skiing allows you to burn between 360 and 532 calories per hour.
You can also burn a lot of calories (about 450 per hour) while snowboarding.
10. Boxing
If you want to work on your speed, agility, and strength while also losing weight, boxing is a must-try sport.
Most people burn between 500 and 800 calories per hour. If you make this sport a regular part of your workout routine, you’ll quickly see the excess weight come off.
Bonus Weight Loss Tips
These sports are all great options that will help you burn calories and calorie burners. But, do you want to do more to maximize your calorie burn and improve your results? If so, these bonus weight loss tips will help:
- Drink plenty of water — according to the folks at Lean Body Planet, this will also help you get a lean stomach faster
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet made up mainly of whole, unprocessed foods
- Make sure you’re eating enough protein — it’ll increase your overall calorie burn and help you stay full to avoid overeating
- Count calories to make sure you’re not taking in more than you burn
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep so your body can recover from your intense workouts.
Looking for More Ways to Lose Weight?
After a few months of playing one of these sports that burn the most calories, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals.
Do you want to learn more about staying active and getting in shape?
If so, be sure to check out the sports and recreation section of our blog today. It’s full of tips and tricks for active individuals who want to get the most out of their workouts.
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