CAN YOU LOSE WEIGHT BY PLAYING BASKETBALL?
Basketball is adored by people all over the world. Whether you’re young or old, it’s a sport that brings joy and entertainment. You can have a blast playing solo or with friends. While shooting hoops alone can be fun, playing with others adds a new level of excitement and competitiveness. Plus, it’s an excellent way to stay active and healthy.
Let’s address the question: Can playing basketball help you lose weight? The simple answer is absolutely! But let’s dive deeper into how basketball can contribute to your weight loss journey and overall fitness.
BASICS OF WEIGHT LOSS
Before diving into how basketball can assist in weight loss, it’s vital to grasp the fundamentals of shedding those extra pounds to become more familiar with them. Simply put, weight loss (and weight gain) boils down to balancing the calories you consume and burn during physical activity. To lose weight, you must consume fewer calories than you burn, thus creating a calorie deficit. You can learn more about calculating your calorie intake for weight loss in this article.
Calories come from what you eat and drink and anything else you ingest. While your body burns calories daily, physical activity and exercise burn even more.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are approximately 3,500 calories in one pound of fat. So, to lose a single pound, you’d need to burn that same number of calories.
At first, glance, burning so many calories might seem daunting, but when viewed for a week or a month rather than just a day, maintaining a consistent exercise routine with basketball or any other physical activity and healthy eating habits can facilitate healthy weight loss.
HOW MANY CALORIES CAN YOU BURN BY PLAYING BASKETBALL?
Basketball can be a great form of exercise and help you burn many calories, which will help you lose weight. But there is no exact amount of calories every person will burn every time they are on the court. Several factors determine how many calories you can burn playing basketball.
The most significant factor here is how hard you play. If you are playing by yourself and just working on taking a few jump shots, you will burn far fewer calories than playing an entire full-court game. The harder you push yourself and the more running, jumping, sprinting, and every other basketball-related activity you do, the more calories you will burn and the more weight you can lose.
According to the American Council on Exercise, a 175-pound person can burn 357 calories in an hour just shooting around on the basketball court. That same person can increase this by increasing the intensity and burning 476 calories/hour running drills and shooting and 635 calories/hour playing full-game basketball.
These numbers quickly indicate the high-intensity nature of playing basketball and the quick increase in calories burned you can achieve if you play the sport at a higher level. The more you weigh, the more calories you will burn playing basketball. If you want to see how many calories you will personally burn according to your weight, check out this article for more details.
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT PLAYING BASKETBALL
So, you’ve seen how many calories you can burn playing basketball. It’s impressive, right? But remember, basketball alone isn’t a magic bullet for weight loss and fitness.
To drop those pounds by playing basketball, you’ve got to hit the court frequently. Aim for at least three times a week, but the more, the better. And when you’re playing, give it your all. If you’re not breaking a sweat and feeling out of breath, push yourself a little more challenging.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about basketball. You’ve also got to watch what you eat. Chowing down on cheeseburgers, pizza, or desserts after a game can undo all your hard work on the court. Opt for healthier, whole foods instead, and monitor your calorie intake.
Consider using a calorie counter to track how much you’re eating and compare it to the calories you’re burning through basketball. This way, you’ll better understand how much hoop time you need to reach your weight loss goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, basketball is a fantastic workout but only one piece of the puzzle. Combine regular play with a balanced diet, and you’ll be well on your way to shedding those extra pounds and enjoying the game you love even more!
