The best sports for a good workout

 The best sports for a good workout

Let's face it, spending hours in the gym can sometimes seem like a chore, especially if you prefer competitive or recreational sports over traditional cardio and strength training. But if you're trying to stay fit or maintain a certain level of health, sticking to a consistent exercise routine will probably be high on your to-do list.

The good news is that you don't have to join a gym to be competitive or to improve your overall fitness. In fact, you can get all that and more by playing your favorite sports several days a week. Here are some sports that will help you improve your physical condition.

Road biking and mountain biking

Cycling on the road or trail, fast or slow, is one of the best sports you can do for your general fitness. Not only do you get a great workout, but you'll also feel the burn after a few miles of your leg muscles, specifically your quads, buttocks, and hamstrings. Additionally, research has shown that for cyclists, especially those with diabetes, cycling can reduce the risk of early death.

There are bikes suitable for all ages and stages. Intermediate to advanced levels can take part in road cycling and mountain biking, while beginners can get started on paved trails. If you want to satisfy your competitive side, consider taking part in a road or mountain bike race.

Squash, tennis or tennis

It is not uncommon to see squash and squash courts filled with people of all ages and fitness levels. In fact, squash or tennis can range from a beginner's sport to a highly competitive workout. The key to making these quick activities accessible to beginners is to slow down the pace of the game.

Squash, racquetball and even tennis target your back, shoulders, arms, chest, quads, glutes, and hamstrings, all while working your core. Racquet sports have also been shown to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease

Combine that with the endurance, speed, balance, and agility required for competition, and you'll quickly see how these two sports can give you a great workout while burning tons of calories.

18 holes of golf

Contrary to what you might think, you don't need an expensive set of clubs to hit the track. But what you need is a pair of supportive shoes.

In order for golf to make the list of the best fitness sports, you need to play all 18 holes while holding or pushing your putter. When walking the course, golf can have a number of health benefits, including cardiovascular and respiratory health 3. In addition, golf is a sport that can be played at any stage of life.

Water sports: Rowing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Canoeing

Rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding offer afun fitness solution for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. All of these sports raise your heart rate, increase your endurance and muscle strength, and turn your body into a calorie-burning machine.4 If you want to compete in a sport that requires rowing, consider joining a balance team.

swimming

Activities that work the muscles of the upper and lower body together are at the top of the list of "best sports for fitness." Swimming is the perfect full-body workout for anyone looking for an intense competitive run that requires strength and endurance. It's also a smart solution for anyone who needs a sport or activity that's easy on the joints 5

Additionally, swimming is a year-round sport with varying levels of competition, so you always have something to do. If you are looking to participate in organized and competitive swimming competitions, consider joining the US Swimming Championships.

Whether you are a veteran athlete looking to test your endurance and strength, or a beginner in need of hitting a goal, triathlon training is the best fitness sport.

Combining running, cycling and swimming will challenge every muscle in your body and increase your aerobic and anaerobic fitness.6 With distances that vary according to competition.