The key to finding a proper fitness regimen is to find something you love doing. While going to the gym has its place, it can be a considerable drain if that’s what you do every day. Mix it up and try one of the best sports to play for a good workout.
What’s With This Racquet?
Racquet sports are a great option because there’s a wide selection you can choose from to get your sweat on. Between squash, racquetball, tennis, pickleball, and badminton, you should find a game you love. Individuals of various ages and fitness levels can participate in these sports, making them popular for beginners to seniors.
From playing these fun-filled sports, you should strengthen your entire body, considering you’ll use every bit of it to play. Linking that with the stamina, quickness, coordination, and agility necessary to participate makes it easy to see why many folks prefer hitting the courts.
Talk About a Hole-in-One
As nice as it is to kick your feet up and cruise around the golf course for 18 holes, you’re selling yourself short on an opportunity to get a good workout. Whether it’s nine or 18 holes, walking the course is an excellent way to get low-impact cardio. You can get a pull cart if you don’t want to lug around your clubs for the walk, but don’t miss out on the chance to take on a golf course’s beautiful hills and fairways, assuming you are physically capable.
The World’s Football
In terms of health benefits, soccer is cross-country running with a ball. Besides the halftime break, a soccer player constantly runs throughout the match. And if you play competitively for 90+ minutes, you’ll know how in shape you are by the end. Soccer will boost your endurance and stamina while building muscle in your lower body and legs. You may not look like Cristiano Ronaldo anytime soon, but you should notice the improvements.
We’re Playing Basketball
The soccer of the hardwood is basketball. Unless you’re playing on a half-court, the game is fluid, continuously going up and down the court. The good news is that a basketball court is much smaller than a soccer field, so that it won’t feel like a marathon, but it will wear on you. Basketball has multiple athletic movements in the game, such as sprints, jumps, and pivots throughout. Don’t get frustrated if you’re not one of the best shooting guards in the country as long as you’re having fun.
Tour De You
Cycling, fast or leisurely on roads or trails, is one of the finest activities for general fitness. Not only will you receive a great cardiovascular exercise, but your leg muscles—specifically, your quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings—will feel the burn after a handful of miles.
There are also bicycles suitable for people of various ages and stages. Road cycling and mountain riding are ideal for intermediate to experienced riders, while paved paths are suitable for novices. Join a road or mountain bike race to satiate your competitive side and watch the pounds fly off.
The best sports to play for a good workout also provide hours of enjoyment, causing you to forget you’re exercising. Some sports don’t tickle everyone’s fancy, but there’s no shortage of activities for you to explore.
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.