Lifetime Leisure Activities
For some of us, recreation and leisure activities are a part of our daily lives. For others, such activities are non existent, but it is possible to make time for leisure activities, and the benefits are numerous. Leisure encompasses a broad range of activities and some forms are more active than others. While some people may prefer to read a book, others like to hike up a mountain. Whatever it may be, the main goal of leisure time is to do something that you enjoy.
Leisure and exercise frequently overlap — sometimes your leisure activity is a form of exercise. The more you enjoy an activity, the more likely you are to stick with it. Also, if you have children or other young relatives, try to share your leisure activity with them. Children are more likely to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle if they are shown the importance of it at an early age.
Find a Leisure Activity
Below are suggestions for fun and healthy leisure activities, including the calories they burn per hour.
| Activity | Weight and calories burned per hour | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs | 140 lbs | 160 lbs | 180 lbs | |
| Basketball | 452 | 528 | 600 | 678 |
| Bowling | 72 | 84 | 96 | 114 |
| Cycling (10 MPH) | 330 | 384 | 438 | 510 |
| Dancing (aerobic) | 444 | 516 | 588 | 666 |
| Dancing (social) | 174 | 198 | 222 | 252 |
| Gardening | 300 | 354 | 402 | 450 |
| Golf (walk/carry clubs) | 276 | 324 | 372 | 420 |
| Golf (power cart) | 126 | 150 | 168 | 192 |
| Hiking | 270 | 312 | 360 | 402 |
| Jogging | 558 | 648 | 744 | 834 |
| Running | 684 | 792 | 906 | 1020 |
| Skiing (cross country) | 648 | 726 | 804 | 882 |
| Skiing (down hill/water) | 342 | 390 | 456 | 510 |
| Swimming (moderate crawl) | 468 | 540 | 618 | 696 |
| Tennis | 360 | 414 | 474 | 534 |
| Walking | 390 | 456 | 522 | 582 |
| Weight Training | 396 | 462 | 522 | 588 |

