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Get Active: Using Sports to Help Shed Pounds

Summertime is quickly approaching with the weather becoming better and better; the time is now to get outside and have some fun in the sun. While we may all not be world class athletes or have an extreme passion for sports, there are many sporting activities that can assist in our weight loss journey and break up the monotony of the gym or typical workouts. Maybe instead of a boring trip on the treadmill, try one of these fun-filled calorie-burning sports and enjoy a fresh take on getting fit.

Tennis

Playing tennis or even an indoor variation like racquetball can get a nice sweat going. Using various muscle groups such as back, legs, shoulders, and forearms/wrist to move throughout the court, you will burn some serious calories. Tennis is a fun and competitive sport that can help tremendously in our efforts to shed some unwanted weight this summer.

Basketball

While many of us seem to enjoy watching basketball on TV, sometimes we forget that it can be a valuable form of cardio. Mostly focusing on our lower body with moves of squatting, jumping and sidestepping in a good defensive stance, the constant running and changing direction will work muscles throughout our body and provide a substantial fat burning opportunity.

Golf

For those of us who may be in earlier stages of our fitness levels and not ready to dive into fast paced high impact sports, golf is a great answer. Most of us see golf as a chance to drink beer and relax on the weekend but electing to change up how you play the game can increase the level of workout you receive. Save your money and choose to walk the 18 holes instead of renting a cart. The number of steps you can rack up while walking a course will amaze you. Challenge yourself to carry your bag throughout the afternoon. Adding some weight to your exercise while enjoying a peaceful but sometimes frustrating game is a great mix up to the typical workout.

Sports not only provide an excellent outlet for exercise and chance to burn calories and unwanted fat, but it can also be an excellent way to spend time with friends and family or meet new people. Sometimes losing weight and becoming fit can become almost a 2nd job and mix in some sports activities can keep your focus fresh and fun.

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