Hate Running? Like sport? I have good news for you

Recent studies have shown that playing 5-a-side football is better for your health than traditional cardio workouts such as jogging. The studies showed that 5-a-side football was more effective at;

Cutting the risk of heart disease
Reducing blood pressure
Reducing cholesterol levels
Increased bone density
Increased oxygen uptake
Helping you lose weight

Not bad right? The reason this type of exercise is more effective than traditional running routines is that playing a sport gives you more of a complete workout. You mix in periods of high intensity running/sprinting with low intensity active recovery (much like interval training which has been proven to be more effective for fat loss). In addition playing a sport is much more multi-directional. You have to accelerate and decelerate rapidly, run forward, backwards, side-to-side, twist, turn and jump. All these movements help load the musculoskeletal system to a far greater extent than traditional cardio routines.

The other great thing about playing a sport vs going running is that it is infinitely more fun. The more you enjoy it the more likely you are to do it and the better you feel for it. Also, because you are enjoying yourself you will not even notice that you are getting a great workout at the same time.

You can check out the full article by clicking below;

Play Football For Health

The one thing I disagree with is that the article claims 5-a-side football is better than strength training. This is clearly not true if getting stronger and building lean muscle is one of your goals. To accomplish these goals, strength training is a must. However from a conditioning stand point, yes a high-octane game of 5-a-side is going to be far better for your cardio-respiratory fitness than a strength training workout.

So there you have it, if you want to increase both the effectiveness and the enjoyment of your conditioning routines playing a high tempo sport appears to be the way to go. My suggestions would be football, touch rugby, hockey or squash!!

If you have any question/comments regarding this post it would be great to hear from you. Please get in touch using the "comments" link below and I shall aim to get back to you ASAP

Alistair Ramsay
BSc Applied Sports Science
Personal Trainer London

Share |

Every few weeks we create, publish and share the Gymless.com Newsletter packed full of information to help you improve your body composition, strength and fitness using bodyweight exercise. To subscribe simply enter your details below...

Your privacy is taken very seriously and your email address will NEVER be shared or sold. You may unsubscribe at any time

Gymless Training Blog