10 Summer Sports That Torch Serious Calories
Summer is the perfect time to engage in outdoor activities and make the most of the warm weather. If you’re looking to have fun while also burning a significant amount of calories, there are plenty of summer sports that can help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you prefer swimming, cycling, running, beach volleyball, kayaking, hiking, tennis, soccer, surfing, or basketball, these ten summer sports are sure to torch serious calories and keep you active throughout the season.
Swimming: A Refreshing Summer Sport That Burns Calories
Swimming is not only a refreshing way to cool off during the summer, but it’s also an excellent full-body workout. It engages various muscle groups, including your arms, legs, core, and back. The resistance of the water adds an additional challenge, making swimming an effective calorie-burning activity. For example, a person weighing around 150 pounds can burn approximately 400-600 calories per hour of swimming, depending on the intensity of the strokes and speed. Styles like freestyle, breaststroke, and butterfly offer different levels of intensity, allowing you to tailor your swim to your fitness level.
Cycling: Pedal Your Way to Fitness in the Summer
Cycling is a popular sport that combines cardiovascular exercise with lower body strength training. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, pedaling your way through scenic routes can be a fantastic way to enjoy the summer while shedding calories. On average, a 155-pound person can burn about 420-620 calories per hour of moderate cycling. The actual calorie burn may vary based on factors such as speed, terrain, and resistance. To maximize your calorie burn, challenge yourself with uphill climbs or try incorporating interval training into your cycling routine.
Running: An Effective Calorie-Burning Summer Activity
Running is a classic and accessible sport that requires minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere. It’s a high-impact exercise that can help you burn significant calories while improving cardiovascular fitness. The number of calories burned while running depends on factors such as speed, distance, and body weight. On average, a person weighing 160 pounds can expect to burn approximately 580-850 calories per hour of running at a moderate pace (around 6 mph). To increase the calorie burn, consider incorporating sprints or hill repeats into your running routine.
Beach Volleyball: Fun in the Sun with Calorie-Torching Action
Beach volleyball is a fun and social sport that combines aerobic fitness, agility, and teamwork. Playing beach volleyball on sand adds an extra challenge, as it requires more effort to move and jump due to the unstable surface. This dynamic game can help you burn a significant amount of calories while enjoying the sun and building strength and endurance. As an estimate, a 155-pound person can burn around 290-430 calories per hour of casual beach volleyball. The intensity and duration of the game will affect the total calories burned.
Kayaking: Paddle Away Calories on a Summer Adventure
Kayaking offers not only a picturesque way to explore bodies of water but also a great upper body workout. It engages muscles in the arms, back, shoulders, and core while providing an enjoyable and serene experience. The number of calories burned while kayaking varies depending on factors such as paddling speed, water conditions, and body weight. On average, a person weighing 180 pounds can burn about 340-500 calories per hour of recreational kayaking. For a more intense workout, try kayaking against the current or opt for sea kayaking, which involves navigating ocean waves.
Hiking: Explore Nature While Burning Serious Calories
Hiking allows you to immerse yourself in nature while reaping numerous health benefits. It’s a low-impact activity that can be tailored to different fitness levels and terrains. The calorie burn during hiking depends on factors such as distance, elevation gain, and body weight. On average, a 160-pound person can burn approximately 430-650 calories per hour of hiking on moderate terrain. Hiking uphill or carrying a backpack can increase the intensity and calorie expenditure. Additionally, exploring different hiking trails adds variety to your workout routine and keeps you motivated.
Tennis: Serve, Rally, and Burn Calories during Summertime
Tennis is a fast-paced sport that involves short bursts of intense activity, making it an excellent calorie-burning exercise. It encompasses various movements, including running, jumping, swinging, and quick direction changes. A person weighing around 150 pounds can burn about 420-620 calories per hour of singles tennis, depending on the intensity of play. Doubles tennis may result in a slightly lower calorie burn. To maximize the calorie torching effect, engage in longer rallies, challenge yourself with faster volleys, and maintain an active movement throughout the game.
Soccer: Kick It Up a Notch for Calorie-Blasting Fun
Soccer, also known as football in many parts ofthe world, is a sport that offers a fantastic combination of cardiovascular exercise and teamwork. It involves continuous running, sprinting, kicking, and quick changes in direction, making it a great calorie-burning activity. The number of calories burned during soccer depends on factors such as the intensity of play, duration of the game, and individual body weight. On average, a person weighing 155 pounds can burn approximately 520-760 calories per hour of playing soccer. The constant movement and high-intensity intervals make soccer an effective sport for torching serious calories.
Surfing: Ride the Waves and Get Fit in the Summer
Surfing is an exhilarating water sport that not only provides a fun way to enjoy the beach but also offers a total body workout. Paddling out to catch waves engages the muscles in your arms, shoulders, back, and core, while riding the waves challenges your balance and leg strength. The number of calories burned while surfing varies based on factors such as wave conditions, paddling intensity, and time spent in the water. On average, a person weighing 160 pounds can burn about 170-250 calories per hour of casual surfing. However, more intense and longer sessions can lead to higher calorie expenditure.
Basketball: Stay Active and Shed Calories on the Court
Basketball is a high-energy sport that combines aerobic fitness, agility, and coordination. Playing basketball involves constant running, jumping, dribbling, and shooting, creating an excellent calorie-burning activity. The number of calories burned during basketball depends on factors such as the intensity of play, duration of the game, and individual body weight. On average, a person weighing 155 pounds can burn approximately 440-650 calories per hour of vigorous basketball. Engaging in full-court games or incorporating drills like suicides and sprints can further increase the calorie burn.
Conclusion
Engaging in summer sports not only helps you stay active and make the most of the warm weather but also provides an opportunity to torch serious calories. Whether you choose swimming, cycling, running, beach volleyball, kayaking, hiking, tennis, soccer, surfing, or basketball, these ten sports offer a range of options for different preferences and fitness levels. Remember to always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, staying hydrated, and listening to your body’s limits. So, get out there, have fun, and watch the calories melt away while enjoying the summer sunshine.
