As a travel nurse, it isn’t always easy to find a sport or workout that can be done on the go. This list of the healthiest sports includes many that travel nurses can do even while on assignment. Sports promote competition and can help you be creative and inspire you to improve. However, not all of them have the same impact on your body.
Some sports can help you be healthy that are not too costly but as effective in keeping you in shape. People participate in sports because it is fun, and they can get a host of health benefits from staying active. If you want to have a healthy body by losing weight, toning your muscles, or improving your fitness, here are some of the healthiest sports that can help you in achieving these objectives.
These are all proven to have low rates of injury but have a massive impact on physical and mental well-being.
Swimming
Many health benefits are related to swimming. First is your cardiovascular fitness. When you are into swimming, it can help boost the functions of your cardiovascular system because it works on the whole body.
The major muscle groups are also involved in an exhaustive workout, depending on how vigorous your swimming routines are. Another area where swimming can help is flexibility and posture. Because this sport needs your entire body to move, all the muscles and bones are at work.
Swimming is perfect for all levels and ages because it is less stressful and one of the safest sports. It helps maintain your weight and improves overall fitness and the capacity of the lungs. It also promotes socialization as many clubs offer classes where you can join and meet other people.
Biking or Cycling
You don’t have to join Tour de France to reap the benefits of this sport. Just 40 minutes of cycling is enough to burn 400 calories. Some fitness studios offer indoor cycling classes for people who want to burn higher amounts of calories. It can help tone the leg muscles and shave off extras around the abdomen.
Cycling can improve cardiovascular fitness and lowers the risk of heart disease. It is also easy on the bones and joints, like swimming, because it is a low-impact sport. Plus, it can make your brain perform better, and you will feel happier.
Tennis
Tennis is one of the healthiest sports because it can burn 600 calories. When you play tennis, all the little pivots, sprints, serves, and slams will require you to use your strength and energy. Although these are short bursts, it is still powerful. It can tremendously help expand your lungs’ capacity and improve your overall fitness and ability.
This sport is also very accessible. Because it is known worldwide, it does not matter what level or age group you are. You can find clubs that can cater to your needs.
Running
Running is another activity that burns many calories and is the most straightforward way to lose weight. It improves your cardiovascular endurance and can help lower blood pressure. Since it is a cardiovascular exercise, it can contribute to a healthy heart and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Also, running can help improve your fitness level, helps tone the muscles, and decrease muscle and bone loss. As a result, running helps slow down the aging process. It is important to feel comfortable while running, so buying the best running shoes for your training would be a great idea.
Trail running is worth the try if you want to increase the challenge. It can improve your balance and coordination because of the many obstacles along the way. This can help you learn how to control your body and improve your reflexes.
Squash
It has been hailed as the #1 healthiest sport all over the world for many years. Squash can burn calories, increase the fitness of the cardiovascular system, boosts flexibility, improves hand-eye coordination, and develops the body’s power and strength.
Squash, much like tennis, is also a social sport because you can play it anywhere at different levels and age groups. It also promotes a healthy mental state and encourages socialization and healthy competition.
Golf
Golf is a fantastic sport, and it can improve with age. It promotes muscle endurance and balance, particularly for older people. For all ages, it can improve metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular health.
This sport is recommended for people who are suffering from chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer (colon and breast). It is also known for helping to reduce the risk of dementia, depression, and anxiety.
Golf can help reduce an average of 500 calories for an 18-hole game. It will also help if you will walk on the course, as it covers about four to eight miles. Another benefit of playing golf is socialization. No matter what age or level, you are bound to forge friendships through the game.
Hiking
Hiking outdoors is a form of exercise that has many perks. Aside from the beautiful views, the fresh air and the sound and sights of nature are good for your physical and mental health. It is a powerful cardio exercise that can decrease the occurrence of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improve your balance, and strengthen the core muscles.
It can also have positive effects in fighting the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Being with nature can boost your immune system while keeping you fit and maintaining your health.
Rowing
Rowing is another healthy sport that has plenty of health benefits. Aside from weight loss, it also helps in increasing muscle strength. You can start practicing rowing indoors, and when you are confident enough, you can try the great outdoors.
It can have powerful results for people of all ages, and you can choose the pace that is suitable for you. Rowing is an excellent workout to help you stay healthy until your golden years.
Gym
Gym classes are the easiest way to start getting fit. There are many classes to choose from, like spinning, yoga, kettlebells, or TRX. All of them are designed for all abilities and ages to make you feel comfortable and have a great workout.
Because of the rising popularity of gyms, they have designed specific classes for each fitness goal, like if you want fat burning, aerobic exercise, or muscle toning. The gym expert can recommend something for everyone. Aside from fitness, joining classes can also help you meet people who can encourage you to get the most out of your courses.
We hope you found this list of the healthiest sports for your body helpful and that you found one that you enjoy. Are you a travel nurse that makes time to work out? Do you have a sport in mind that you want to add to the list of healthiest sports? Comment down below.
