Is Playing Sports Better Than Exercise?
May 28, 2009 by Mohamed
Filed under Exercise, Weight Loss
So what is wrong with this question – “Is Playing Sports Better Than Exercise?” – if you are paying attention you would probably figure out that they are one in the same! When you play sports, you are getting exercise. But it really is a trick question, because the word exercise is taken out of context – think of the question as “should I play sports to get exercise, or should I go to the gym for exercise” – really two different things.
So which is better? Sports or the gym?
I have gone to the gym, and failed miserably. I am not as regimented in that respect. Though going to the gym you have the advantage of a personal trainer or at least someone to speak to to ensure that your workouts are accomplishing your fitness goals I’ve always found the gym boring and sometimes embaressing. Where I used to live, I went to a gym on a fairly regularly – but it was full of muscular and thin men and women. I felt out of place being a big guy. In fact, I never saw big people at the gym.
Eventually I stopped going.
Over the last year, I’ve started playing more sports and going outdoors instead. Partly to aid with weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and also because my son who is now 6-years old has so much energy that we have to get him outside to burn it off.
I enjoy going outside more because I don’t have anyone watching me. I can exercise at my own pace, and I have fun doing it.
I find that you get more of a rush when you’re outdoors enjoying the good weather and tossing in some exercise — it does not feel like exercise. Going to the gym felt like work and it was boring, unless I could find someone to come with me — which was always easier said than done.
The verdict? It is really up to you. Either way you are getting a chance to work out your body, one is more regimented and does require a certain amount of will power but the other allows you to exercise on your own terms.
Here is to your health!
Mohamed
