Regular exercise contributes to healthy weight loss. Unfortunately, exercise machines at the gym aren't very fun to use. If you want to make your workout more enjoyable, sports are a good way to inject fun into a stale exercise regimen. Some sports are better at burning calories than others, and the way you play the game also influences weight loss. With the right approach, it's possible to use sports for weight loss.
Step 1
Play sports that incorporate a lot of running, like soccer, basketball or rugby. Running is one of the most efficient forms of exercise for burning fat. To ensure weight loss, use a pedometer to track your running distance as you play. Without diet or additional exercise, twelve miles of running per week prevents weight gain for the average adult, and 20 miles per week promotes weight loss.
Step 2
Stay hydrated, drinking about five to ten ounces of water every 15 minutes. You'll be able to play longer and lose more weight if you reduce fatigue. Fluids are your best weapon against sports exhaustion.
Step 3
Opt for positions that emphasize intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest. This form of exercise is called interval training. Stay away from positions with continual movement, like a point guard in basketball, or very little movement, like a soccer goalie. A mix of intense exercise and occasional rest is the best type of cardiovascular activity for weight loss.
Step 4
Walk or jog at least 15 minutes each day, even when you're not playing sports. Daily exercise keeps your body's metabolic rate up for more efficient weight loss during a sporting event.
Tips and Warnings
- If you use a pedometer, make sure it is designed for running. Some lower-cost pedometers are strictly designed for walking, and they do not measure sprinting distances as effectively.
Things You'll Need
- Pedometer
- Water bottle
References
- "Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness"; Wener W. K. Hoeger, et al.; 2008
- "Basketball"; Douglas McKeag; 2003
- "Running Well"; Sam Murphy, et al.; 2008
- "Physical Fitness and Wellness: Changing the Way Your Look, Feel, and Perform"; Jerrold S. Greenberg, et al.; 2004
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