Hate the gym?
I can’t lie. There are some days that I hate having to go to the gym. It’s 80 degrees and sunny outside with the slightest breeze. I want to be out there, not in a basement. How can I do my cardiovascular activities outdoors? People become obsessed with running and forget about all the daily activities that we love and that also double as intense calorie burners. After reading an article published by the Mayo Clinic on calorie expenditure, I decided that I needed to share the best ways to enjoy the sun. Y burn calories in an hour.
Basketball
I’m 6’2 “, doughy white, and I’ve never played a real basketball game in my life. Do you remember Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson in” White Men Can’t Jump “? My life story. Many of my friends at school I love to go to the park and play pickup games, we are in West Philly so there is always a game.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 584
200 pounds: 728
240 pounds: 872
Rafting
My family used to camp a lot, my brother and I were younger. Our canoe is still below our deck, but I definitely remember having a lot of fun going out on the lake and canoeing to the best fishing spots. Many of the kids I met from PA go camping regularly with their friends. I’m not sure if I would trust them on a 30 frame canoe, but you have to do what you have to do.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 256
200 pounds: 319
240 pounds: 382
Play golf
Cigars, beer and golf go hand in hand. It is counterproductive to drink in the heat and play golf, but for each his own. My friends and I are starting to play again. It’s a laid-back way to spend a day outdoors with a bit of competition. The calories listed below are to carry your sticks, but it’s also just an hour of activity. Think about how long it takes you to play a round. Yes, it is good exercise.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 314
200 pounds: 391
240 pounds: 469
Trekking
I’m not in the woods or anything, but a lot of people love to go hiking in good weather. Personally, I hate being eaten alive. However, walking can be an incredible exercise because you are climbing different surfaces with different inclinations.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 438
200 pounds: 546
240 pounds: 654
Running at 8 mph
I have a mud race in a week. It’s called Muck Ruckus MS and it’s for an amazing cause. These days I don’t run at a 7:30 pace on level surfaces so I’m sure I’m not going to walk at that pace in mud, but running is always a good option for summer cardio.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 861
200 pounds: 1074
240 pounds: 1286
Softball or Baseball
Living across the street from baseball and softball fields my entire life means I’ve seen my fair share of adult leagues playing late into the night. These guys and girls are having a good time and when there’s a bit of competition they get a decent workout while catching up with their friends.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 365
200 pounds: 455
240 pounds: 545
Swimming
My pool isn’t big enough for laps, but swimming is AMAZING exercise. I had never actually swum for exercise until my sophomore year of college. I thought I was going to sink to the bottom in the middle of my fourth 50m lap. Sure, I was running them … but it was still pretty pathetic. Water has many therapeutic benefits and is a great alternative to high-impact cardiovascular activities like running.
Calories burned
160 pounds: 423
200 pounds: 528
240 pounds: 632
How will you get in shape?
There is no correct answer to the question “How do I lose fat and / or get fit?” You must do activities that interest you if you want to increase your adherence to your program. If you are afraid of the water, you probably won’t stick with a swimming routine for long. Do what you love, work hard and you will see results.
Mayo Clinic article available here:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109
