The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to burn more calories than we eat. Although the evidence clearly supports this fact, it does not prevent us from looking for shortcuts. Superfoods, fad diets, and fat-burning pills promise real, long-lasting results that never seem to materialize. It’s no wonder Americans are tipping the scales in the wrong direction. At the latest count, one-third of Americans are obese, while two-thirds are overweight.

Exercise is the answer

As we mentioned at the beginning, expending more calories than you consume is the only way to win the battle of the bulge. The problem, however, is that only a small portion of the United States population is physically active enough to operate in a net caloric deficit on a regular basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 20 percent of American adults get the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise each week.

Why racquetball works

While it is true that any aerobic exercise can help you lose weight, racquetball is one of the best for several simple reasons. First and foremost, it’s fun! We cannot overstate the importance of finding an exercise routine that is challenging and enjoyable. Too many adults skip their daily training because it is just plain boring. At the end of the day, the promise of a slimmer waist isn’t enough to do something you don’t want to do. You must find an activity that makes you want to go to the gym. Racquetball is that exercise.

The benefits

A fast-paced sport that can be played alone or with friends, indoors or outdoors, racquetball ticks all the boxes when it comes to a fun, exciting and versatile activity. It also doesn’t hurt that the game works wonders for your waistline. According to experts, it is possible to burn more than 700 calories per hour while playing, depending on your weight and intensity level. That’s more than tennis, basketball, weight training, and most forms of aerobics.

Starting

If you are looking for a place to play, visit your local health club. With over 5 million regular players in the US, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find a court in your area. Depending on the facility, they may even allow you to borrow a racket and balls. As for the rules of the game, they are quite simple and straightforward and can often be learned in just a few sessions.

How often to play

If your goal is to lose weight, you should play for an hour, three times a week. Since hitting the ball for yourself for 180 minutes a week would be boring, we highly recommend that you play with a friend. If you can find a partner of the same skill / experience level, great. But you can also benefit if your partner is much better than you because you will be forced to do your best, burning a lot of extra calories in the process.

Racquetball is an exciting sport that can help you lose weight and improve your overall fitness while having lots of fun.