Do you hate the gym?
I can’t lie. Some days, I hate going to the gym. It is 80 degrees outside and the sun is shining with just the slightest breeze. You should be outside, and not inside a room. Where can I get outside cardio? Running can lead to a fixation on the running, which makes it easy for people not to consider all the other activities that are great for burning calories. Following a Mayo Clinic article on calorie expenditure I felt the need to share my top tips for enjoying the sun. ANDYou can lose calories in an hour.
Basketball
I am 6’2″, pasty white, and have never played a real game of basketball in my life. Remember Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson in “”White Men Can’t Jump” This is the story of my life. Many of my school friends love to go to the park to play pick-up games. There’s always something going in West Philly.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 584
200 pounds: 728
240 pounds: 872
Canoeing
When I was younger, my family loved to camp. While our canoe remains under our deck today, I can clearly recall having great fun on the lake canoeing to some of the best fishing spots. Some of the PA kids that I knew went camping frequently with their friends. They are not the kind of people I would trust on a canoe equipped with a 30 rack, but that’s just how it is.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 256
200 pounds: 319
240 pounds: 382
Golfing
Cigars, beer and golf are inextricably linked. While it’s not a good idea to consume alcohol while playing in the heat, one can still enjoy golf. My friend and I have started to play again. You can have a fun day out while still having a lot of competition. Although the calories are listed for transporting your clubs, it’s only one hour of exercise. Imagine how long it takes for you to play a round. That’s quite a workout.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 314
200 pounds: 391
240 pounds: 469
Hiking
Although I don’t like being in the woods, many people enjoy hiking on nice days. My personal dislike is being eaten alive. Because you are climbing on different surfaces at different angles, hiking can be a good workout.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 438
200 pounds: 546
240 pounds: 654
Running at 8mph
In a week, I will be hosting a mudrun. Muck Ruckus MS is the name of this mud run and supports an amazing cause. Today, I do not run at a pace of 7:30 on flat surfaces. I won’t even be running at that speed in the mud. However, it is a great choice for summer cardio.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 861
200 pounds: 1074
240 pounds: 1286
Softball, Baseball
Because I grew up right next to softball and baseball fields, I have seen plenty of adult leagues play late at night. This group of guys and girls are having fun, and sometimes, there is a bit more competition. They also get to work out while getting together with their friends.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 365
200 pounds: 455
240 pounds: 545
Swimming
Although my pool isn’t large enough to swim laps, swimming is an amazing way to get in shape. Before my second year at college, I hadn’t really done any swimming for exercise. My fourth lap of 50m was a slow one. I thought that I’d sink to the bottom. Although I was running them, it felt pretty awful. It has many healing benefits, and water is a good alternative to cardio activity like running.
Calories Burnt
160 pounds: 423
200 pounds: 528
240 pounds: 632
What can you do to get fit?
The question is not easy to answer. “How do I lose fat and/or get fit?”To increase the likelihood of sticking to your plan, it is important to find activities that you are interested in. A swimming regimen that is too difficult for you to follow will not work. You’ll be rewarded if you do what you love and work hard.
Mayo Clinic article here
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109