Be fit this Christmas: top calorie-burning sports to try

The Christmas season is the time of the year where mouth-watering foods are served such as ham, mechado, caldereta, and lechon. But after devouring those sumptuous yet fatty foods, it is important to shed those calories and still have a fit and healthy body.

“Filipinos are food lovers, and it is truly seen during Christmas season where greasy and high-calorie foods are served. Thus, it is just essential to burn those extra calories to avoid excess fat. For people who don’t want to hit the gym, they can try sports to burn the calories,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, MediCard president.

Here are the top calorie-burning sports to try:

Swimming. Swimming gives an overall body workout and is great for toning muscles.  Burning up to 800 calories per hour, swimming is one of the best choices if you want to shed those extra pounds for the holidays. If you have a pool or have access to one, it’s time to slip your swim suit on and do some laps.

Racket Sports. Grab your racket and get ready to lose those calories you consumed during your Christmas parties. Racket sports such as tennis and badminton are fun sports you can do with your loved ones. Building lower body strength and endurance, as well as burning up to 900 calories per hour make racket sports an excellent workout options.

Martial Arts. Learn self-defense and burn calories while practicing martial arts. Whether judo, tae kwon do or muay thai, martial arts has you moving quickly and in a variety of ways. It is sure to help you tone muscles by burning up to 1,100 calories per hour.

Running. This may be the most accessible sport you can get your hands on. Burns up to 1,500 per hour, running is an ideal sport which works every part of your body, from your calves and quads to your abs. For the best-calorie burning potential, try to keep your speed above 8 mph.

Boxing. Wear those boxing gloves and be game enough to step into the ring. Whether it’s kick boxing or in the ring, boxing is one of the best sports to participate in since it burns up to 800 calories per hour.

Basketball. Aside from burning up to 900 calories per hour, playing basketball lets you develop flexibility, endurance and cardiorespiratory health. But, make sure that you warm up properly before stepping on the court to avoid injuries.

Shed those calories for the holidays! Visit MediCard’s fitness facility at #51 Paseo De Roxas cor. Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information, check out their website at www.medicardphils.com.