Burn Calories with Water Sports
Tired of your same old boring workout routine? Perhaps you should mix it up by adding these water sports to your fitness regimen:
Swimming: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States. Swimming is a great activity for getting aerobic physical activity, and only 2 ½ hours of swimming per week can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. The CDC also reports that swimmers have about half the risk of death when compared to inactive people, and that people can exercise for longer periods without increased effort or joint or muscle pain when they swim as compared to land-based activities. Swimming in the ocean or a lake or river is also calming and rather meditative, which can reduce stress and depression.
Calories burned: up to 450*
Water-Skiing & Wakeboarding: Besides the adrenaline rush of hanging onto a tow rope while being pulled behind a boat going 20-30 mph, water skiing and wake boarding tones muscles, improves balance and core strength, and works both upper and lower body muscles. The force of water resistance provides a constant workout of arm, leg, and core muscles.
Calories burned: about 245*
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): Newcomers to this new and growing water sport often mistake SUP paddling to be only about arm strength, when in fact it is a great full-body workout. SUP paddling requires upper body strength at the beginning of the reach but as the stroke is pulled through, the whole core body and legs get involved. Plus during the duration of the workout, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles are constantly engaged to maintain balance. SUP paddling builds endurance and balance, which makes 30 minutes on a SUP board equal to running six miles, according to some fitness experts.
Calories burned: at least 123 and up to 500, depending upon water conditions and intensity of paddling*
Trampolining: Jumping on a trampoline is an effective low-impact exercise activity that challenges the cardiovascular system and muscles of the legs and core body, and therefore burns significant calories. If you are jumping on a water trampoline, however, the added benefit of safely splashing in the water if you fall off is also nothing to sneeze at.
Calories burned: about 126 calories for a 150-pound person, according to livestrong.com
*www.mensfitness.com/get-fit/top-5-water-activities-for-burning-calories; all calorie counts are based on a 180-pound person and 30 minutes of exercise
