Why Not All Sports Are Created Equal
Because a pastime is a sport does not necessarily mean it is serving your body right. Certain activities may be enjoyable, social, or competitive without posing enough of a challenge to your strength, stamina or mobility to keep you in shape. First, we will name ten sports that are probably doing nothing for you fitness-wise. Next, we will turn it around and talk about ten that will keep you strong, lean and full of pep.
1. Bowling
A game of bowling looks like it might be active, but much of it involves standing around and waiting your turn. The same set of muscles are used over and over, and other areas of the body don’t get any work at all. If this is your only exercise, chances are that you’re not pushing your body at all.
2. Golf
Walking the course would be a good way to get some exercise, but carts are common, and that takes away that benefit too. The swinging motion is highly repetitive and mostly on one side of the body. Golf is a great game, but it won’t do much for overall fitness.
3. Auto Racing
Driving a racecar takes a lot of skill and concentration, but it’s not exactly a workout. While behind the wheel, drivers sit for long periods of time and only exert themselves when braking. Other than some neck strain, the body is not really required for this “sport.”
4. Billiards
Playing pool is a test of skill and patience, but not physical ability. Movements are small and slow, and players spend a lot of time standing still. It’s a good game for mental focus, but your muscles won’t feel it.
5. Darts
Throwing darts involves short movements that are quickly followed by long periods of inactivity. Players don’t really expend much energy even in competition. You can have a lot of fun with darts, but you will not be breaking a sweat.
6. Fishing
Fishing is relaxing, and that’s part of the fun, but it’s also a largely sedentary activity. There may be some walking along a shoreline or some occasional reeling, but for the most part, it’s not very physically challenging. This is more of a calm sport than a conditioning one.
7. Archery
Archery requires upper body control, but the overall workload is low. Most games and training sessions are made of short periods of activity, and then a lot of rest. Endurance and leg strength are not addressed very well with this sport.
8. Curling
Curling is all about precision, but sliding those stones across the ice is not that taxing. Sweeping adds a little bit of movement, but not much, and it’s not for long periods of time. Over the course of a full match, players don’t really move around much at all.
9. Shooting Sports
Precision is everything in shooting events, and physical exertion is minimal. Physical strain is mild, and the effort required is localized to certain parts of the body. While the mind is under a lot of concentration, the cardiovascular system is very much not.
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10. Tabletop Esports
Esports can be incredibly competitive, but not physically. Hours can go by with only a twitch of the wrist. This is a sport in name only, but it won’t help your physical game at all.
After a rundown of some of the worst sports for fitness, we should turn our attention to the sports that can actually keep you in great shape while still being enjoyable to play.
1. Swimming
Swimming requires the use of almost every muscle, but doesn’t put any strain on joints. The heart and lungs also get a great workout. Swimming is one of the few sports that can build both strength and endurance simultaneously.
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2. Soccer
Soccer involves running, changing directions, and cutting constantly. Your legs get stronger while your cardiovascular system also improves. It’s very engaging as the pace doesn’t let up much.
3. Boxing
Boxing requires power, speed, and endurance all at the same time. Your arms, core, and legs all have to work in unison, and you are always exerting yourself. You’ll be wiped out, but feel stronger.
4. Basketball
Jumping, sprinting, and moving side-to-side are part of the game. You’re always reacting to something, and that keeps your heart rate up. It’s a great combination of agility and endurance training.
5. Rowing
Rowing works your legs, back, arms, and core all in one smooth motion. The repetitive motion and resistance builds great cardiovascular strength. It’s hard work, but it works.
6. Tennis
Tennis keeps you moving in short, intense bursts. You work on coordination while increasing speed and balance. Matches can double as interval training without even trying.
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7. Martial Arts
Martial arts are all about strength, flexibility, and control. Training drills will often test conditioning as well. Body awareness and control is something that also transfers to everyday life.
8. Cycling
Cycling works your legs, while not being hard on your joints. Longer rides will improve endurance, and hills can be added to up the intensity. It’s easy to adjust the difficulty as you get better.
9. Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing takes full-body effort in cold conditions. Your arms and legs have to work in perfect unison, without stopping. Few sports will burn calories like this one.
10. Rock Climbing
Climbing will improve your grip strength, core stability, and problem-solving. Routes are set in ways that will make you work your body in different ways each time. It’s engaging because no two climbs are alike.
