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Publications International, Ltd., the Editors of. "12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn." 24 September 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/12-sports-and-recreational-activities-and-the-calories-they-burn.htm> 13 May 2008.
12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn
Inside This Article
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12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn
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Everybody wants to burn the most calories in the least amount of time. So it would be helpful to know which sports and recreational activities burn the most calories. Here are 12 activities and the approximate number of calories they burn. Before launching into any of these activities, be sure to consult your doctor. And always remember to properly warm up and stretch.
1. Running*
Burning about 450 calories every 30 minutes (based on an 8-minute mile), running also gives a fantastic cardiorespiratory workout. Leg strength and endurance are maximized, but few benefits accrue to the upper body. Warm up thoroughly, wear the proper shoes, and keep a moderate pace to avoid injury.
2. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing relies on quick bursts of energy to get from one rock to the next. It won't do a lot for your heart, but your strength, endurance, and flexibility will greatly benefit, and you'll burn about 371 calories every half hour.
3. Swimming
Swimming provides an excellent overall body workout, burning up to 360 calories in a half hour depending on the stroke used. However, most people have difficulty maintaining proper form for that long. The best swim workout is based on interval training; swim two lengths, catch your breath, and then repeat.
4. Cycling
Cycling is an excellent non-weight-bearing (your weight is not being supported by your body) exercise, and depending on your speed, burns around 300 or 400 calories in a half hour. It provides a great cardio workout and builds up those thighs and calves. However, it doesn't provide much in the way of an upper body workout.
5. Boxing
If you're game enough to step into the ring, you'll be rewarded with a 324-calorie deficit for every half hour of slugging it out. In addition, your cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance will go through the roof. Make sure you're match fit, though, or it may be all over before you build up a sweat!
On the next page, find how many calories are burned playing favorite sports like basketball and skiing.
*Calories based on a 150-pound person. (A heavier person will burn more calories.)
1. Running*
Burning about 450 calories every 30 minutes (based on an 8-minute mile), running also gives a fantastic cardiorespiratory workout. Leg strength and endurance are maximized, but few benefits accrue to the upper body. Warm up thoroughly, wear the proper shoes, and keep a moderate pace to avoid injury.
2. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing relies on quick bursts of energy to get from one rock to the next. It won't do a lot for your heart, but your strength, endurance, and flexibility will greatly benefit, and you'll burn about 371 calories every half hour.
 Swimming is one of the most effective calorie burning activities, burning more than 600 calories per hour. |
Swimming provides an excellent overall body workout, burning up to 360 calories in a half hour depending on the stroke used. However, most people have difficulty maintaining proper form for that long. The best swim workout is based on interval training; swim two lengths, catch your breath, and then repeat.
4. Cycling
Cycling is an excellent non-weight-bearing (your weight is not being supported by your body) exercise, and depending on your speed, burns around 300 or 400 calories in a half hour. It provides a great cardio workout and builds up those thighs and calves. However, it doesn't provide much in the way of an upper body workout.
5. Boxing
If you're game enough to step into the ring, you'll be rewarded with a 324-calorie deficit for every half hour of slugging it out. In addition, your cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance will go through the roof. Make sure you're match fit, though, or it may be all over before you build up a sweat!
On the next page, find how many calories are burned playing favorite sports like basketball and skiing.
*Calories based on a 150-pound person. (A heavier person will burn more calories.)
Inside This Article
1.
12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn
2.
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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this How Stuff Works article:
Publications International, Ltd., the Editors of. "12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn." 24 September 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/12-sports-and-recreational-activities-and-the-calories-they-burn.htm> 13 May 2008.
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