Weight Loss and Sports

Did you know that playing softball is a great way to drop extra pounds? Losing weight and getting into better shape are goals many young women are striving for. They are discovering that two of the most important keys to success are doing something they enjoy and participating in that activity with weight lossfriends. You may see groups of gals walking together on a regular basis or joining a spin class en mass. The fun of the activity and the camaraderie of friends is outstanding motivation to get involved and pursue weight loss and total fitness. The exercise that many women choose is the tried and true sport of softball. This game provides an excellent environment for getting rid of excess weight while improving you overall physical and emotional health. Let’s take a look at how softball can help you achieve your goals and become the person you know you can be.

The key to weight loss and physical fitness is purposeful movement and activity. That of course is what burns calories. So when you join a softball team, make the commitment to always be on the go. The reality is that two young women can be on the same team and one will reach their health goals and the other won’t benefit much at all. Guess which one will feel better about themselves at the end of the season? Yep, the one that made the most of their involvement and used softball to lose weight. Here are some practical ways to do that.

Weight Loss Through Effort

First, attend every practice and hustle from the moment practice begins, or even before. Do some light jogging to loosen muscles. Warm up with enthusiasm that will carry you through the practice. Treat practice like a regular game by running hard after fly balls and when circling the bases. When it’s over stick around and do a few extra wind sprints or jog around the outfield at a vigorous pace while you’re warm and in the mood. You really can lose weight playing softball if you take the right approach.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball "Weight Loss"

Secondly, between games and practice engage in exercises that will burn calories and tone muscles as well as make you a better softball player. Some specific conditioning drills related to softball include forward lunges. Stand with your feet together and your hands at your side, clutching 2-4 pound dumbbells. Stride forward while raising the weights straight up to the side. Also try the same motion in your legs while twisting at the waist to one side. This will improve your leg drive and upper body strength – and you’ll be hitting the ball harder in no time. Another great exercise to do with dumbbells is to lie on your back, arms extending to each side, and alternately raise your arms straight up and in front of you. This will strengthen your throwing arm and put more pop in your swing. Skipping rope will build leg strength, arm flexibility and stamina. These are just three of many exercises that will help you attain success on and off the softball diamond. Perhaps you can find a workout partner on the team and help each other stay motivated.

Keeping Your Head in the Game of Weight Loss

The third way to lose weight playing softball is to stay active and plugged in each game. Arrive early enough to loosen up with some running, throwing and batting practice. Once the game starts, work hard when you are out in the field. Give it your all on every play. When your team is batting, cheer each of your teammates as they bat or run the bases. You’d be amazed at what a great calorie burner cheering for others is, and it’s a whole lot of fun!

Finally, what you don’t do when playing softball to lose weight is also vital! Things to avoid include the after practice or after game trip to the fast food restaurant or bar with the gals. If you do go along for the social interaction be disciplined about what you consume. You don’t want to gain back the weight you’ve been fighting so hard to lose. During the game stay away from sugary sodas or kool-aid and choose instead a low calorie sports drink or plenty of plain water.

The great thing about this approach – playing softball to lose weight – is that dropping those pounds is safe, enjoyable and so simple anyone can do it. Your total health will improve; you’ll likely make some great new friends; and you’ll establish good habits that will keep you active, fit and trim for a lifetime.

Resources:

Fit Day A calorie calculator to help with weight loss

Live Strong Great advice for healthy living.

Weight Loss and Sports A Practice For A Better Life

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