Six fun-filled calorie killers
We all know that the more fun we have, the more likely we are to stick to an exercise routine. What’s the secret? Group sport! Read on for a comparison of six fun and efficient group sports.
No. 6: badminton – approx. 300 kcal/h
Not all types of badminton are the same! Playing in the park and batting the shuttlecock to and fro for as long as possible is one thing, but proper badminton involves clear rules, with the goal of winning the most points. Badminton isn’t just a fun game for two to four people, it’s also an Olympic sport. Tip: if you want more action and have quick reactions, why not try speed badminton. With this version, you burn up to 600 calories per hour and fun is guaranteed.
No. 5: beach volleyball – approx. 500 kcal/h
Volleyball is one of the most popular group sports in Switzerland. And while you “only” burn up to 300 kcal per hour with traditional volleyball training, playing beach volleyball burns up to 600 kcal per hour. One reason for this is the sand, which makes the movements much more strenuous, but the sun also has an extra effect by making the players sweat more. What’s more, many beach volleyball courts are located close to water, thus combining sporting activity with the feeling of vacation with friends – at least in the summer.
No. 4: dance workouts – 400–650 kcal/h
Whether it’s Zumba, ballet workouts or Breakletics, there’s a reason why dance cardio courses have enjoyed huge popularity for over ten years. Accompanied by flamenco, salsa, hip hop or classical music, participants learn choreographies that combine elements of dance and fitness to activate the whole body and get the pulse racing. The classes also integrate exercises to train the deep core muscles in order to prevent joint and back pain.
No. 3: boxing – 500–600 kcal/h
For a full-body workout and training for the brain, martial arts like Tae-Bo, Thai boxing, judo or capoeira are the perfect choice. Traditional boxing is very popular with men and women alike, with fast, well-considered movements and strength training combining to get the body in top shape. So it’s no wonder that Hollywood stars and models the world over swear by this type of training. In fact, boxing has become so popular nowadays that there are countless offers, such as Fitbox, Bodycombat and the Lucky Punch studio in Zurich (a mix of boxing and dance club), that are adapting the sport and boosting its broad appeal further still.
No 2: Crossfit – 500–800 kcal/h
Crossfit is like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. That’s because Crossfit is more than just a sport. Those who do this sport focus on their own performance and try to eliminate all the aspects of daily life that could have a negative impact on it. The goal is to develop endurance, strength, agility, speed, dexterity, balance, coordination and accuracy in a balanced way with different exercises. It’s a form of circuit training, where you repeat the different exercises as many times as possible. It’s a tough sport, not for the faint-hearted, and burns up to 800 calories per hour.
No. 1: spinning – 500–900 kcal/h
Spinning is a highly efficient sporting activity, burning up to 900 calories per hour. Led by an instructor, participants cycle through different levels – some with more resistance, some with less – that get your pulse racing in next to no time. Spinning trains endurance, the legs and the glutes, and the torso also works non-stop throughout the class. Additional exercises with dumbbells strengthen the arms and shoulders. Rhythmic music provides the extra kick of motivation. Anyone looking for even more of a boost might like to try out an urban spinning provider, such as Open Ride or Spark Cycle, where participants cycle in a club-like atmosphere, sometimes even with a live DJ.