Sport for Exercise

Sport for Exercise

Witten by: Emma Anius

There seems to be a huge push on jogging and going for walks as the best form of exercise, for some of us this is the greatest and most effective form of exercise.  But for others walking or jogging a distance could not be more boring, even with headphones on and their favorite music blasting it still doesn’t have any appeal.  And many people do not enjoy going to the gym, so they will be less inclined to go regularly.

 Getting involved in a form of exercise that you enjoy is crucial to ensure consistency.  The more you enjoy the activity the more likely it is that you will keep at it, and the longer you exercise for- the greater the rewards. With all the ailments present in this day and age, keeping fit is essential for a good quality of life.  Getting involved in a sport has been shown to increase good cholesterol while decreasing bad cholesterol in the body, and can help you avoid diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. High-impact, strengthening sports such as tennis, badminton, circuit training and running can also help you avoid osteoporosis.  Stress is also a factor that affects many people, engaging in a sport you enjoy will ensure your stress management is sustainable, one exercise session can produce a feeling of relaxation lasting between 90 and 120 minutes.

If you do see yourself getting fed up of exercising, change up the routine.  If you usually go for jog at the stadium- change locations, go to pigeon point for a run.  If it’s not the location that is stopping you from wanting to exercise then get involved with another form of exercise.

Sports are a great way to get re-motivated about exercising, or to start exercising again.  Sports keep you healthy while at the same time burning a lot of calories.  Workout with friends has also been shown to help make exercise fun, interesting, and it keeps you motivated so you do continue to regularly exercise.  Having someone there that will push you when you really are not in the mood to work out really does make a huge difference.

Although walking is a great form of exercise, engaging in a sport burns more calories.  Walking at 3.5 mph might burn 277 calories per hour if you weigh 160 lbs as apposed to an hour of basketball which burns approximately 408 calories assuming a body weight of 150 lbs, playing an hour of cricket burns 340 calories, golf 306 and an hour of squash burns an amazing 816 calories, once again assuming a body weight of 150 lbs, and if you weight more- the calories burnt increases.

Sports not only burn more calories, they also keep you exercising for longer and having a bit of friendly competition with your training partner is a great way to give you that extra edge to push that little bit harder or further.  Studies have also shown that working out with someone leads to greater weight loss- so if weight loss is the ultimate goal, sports are definitely the way to go.

Looking after your body is the key to healthy living.

If you have no time to exercise or don’t know where to begin:

Beginner:

Push up x 10, bridge x 10, side raise x 10, front raise x 10, medicine ball twists x 30

Advanced

Incline push up x 30, bridge x 20, side raise x 15, front raise x 15, medicine ball twists x 50

• For help with the exercises go to www.facebook.com/cyanfitness and view the photos or come down to the Aquatics Centre Monday and Wednesday for the ‘Ultimate Carnival Workout’.

Note: Emma Anius is a Personal Trainer for Cyan Fitness promoting a ‘healthy life and a better you.’

Email: emma@cyanfitness.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cyanfitness