Best Sports to Keep Fit

You may want to keep yourself in shape, have a goal weight in mind or even just want to follow a more active lifestyle. But what if you don’t like the idea of going to the gym? There are so many other ways to keep fit that are also fun and ensure you are involved in something a bit different than using machines in your local gym. Here are some of Physio Wellbeing‘s favourite sports to keep fit!

Running

While not everyone’s favourite activity, running has huge benefits for your wellbeing both physical and mental. Running burns a lot of calories, which is the simplest way to lose weight. However, running can also strengthen your knees and tone your leg muscles; it has long been known that running can increase bone mass. When it comes to your mood, running can help reduce stress, lift your mood and even lower blood pressure. Even if you don’t particularly fancy becoming a runner, you might be converted once you realise the benefits it could have for you!

Swimming

Maybe something a little different from your usual routine, going for a swim regularly is great exercise. It targets your whole body including major muscle groups. Water is 12 times as dense as air, meaning swimming is an incredibly effective way of toning your muscles. Swimming is also less stress on your body than other workouts; it is one of the few sports that isn’t hard on your skeletal system and you are less likely to make contact with hard surfaces that put a strain on your body. A heated pool is even better; the heat will loosen joints and muscles that will in turn reduce the risk of injuries.

Pilates

Perhaps a much calmer form of exercise, pilates targets your core. If you have a stronger core, you could reduce back pain. Its slow and controlled movements also put minimal strain on your joints. Pilates encourages you to focus on your breathing too, meaning you have to concentrate and forget about any stresses or worries you may have – what could be better?

Tennis

Tennis involves rigorous strength training for your legs and upper body and is a more exciting way to carry out cardiovascular exercise. It keeps your mind occupied and can be as effective as running or cycling. It can also improve your coordination including balance, speed and hand-eye coordination. It can even be fun if you go along and play with a friend!

Here at Physio Wellbeing we encourage keeping active and whether you are a professional athlete or a member of the general public, you can incur injuries no matter what sport you are playing. If you think you have caused yourself some damage while playing a sport, we can offer sport injury rehabilitation to get you back on your feet. Contact us today on 07717 712 234 or book an appointment online.