FIGHTING FIT

Boxing burns more calories than any other sport...and sex

BOXING is a knockout when it comes to burning calories, say researchers.

Fighters can burn 800 calories an hour in the ring, making it the best sport for weight loss.

Squash was the second most effective for dieting at 748 calories an hour.

Sex, sadly, burns just 200 calories an hour for men – and only 138 for women.

Britain’s 50 most popular sports and activities were ranked for their effectiveness at burning calories by supplements brand Forza. Managing director Lee Smith said: “We more people to get active to combat our growing obesity crisis.

“Boxing is terrific for weight loss because it is the ultimate full body workout, with intense bursts of activity – just like the very best interval training.

“The figures show that any activity is better than lounging in front of the TV.

“Sex is a great way to burn off calories, particularly if you are a man because statistics show they expend 44% more energy.

“An hour of sex for a man burns as many calories as an hour of yoga, but sex for an hour for a woman is roughly the same calorie burn as walking the dog.”

Squash was highly effective because the rallies tend to be longer than other racket sports.

Rugby rated highest of the team sports, just beating football due to its extra physicality.

Getting out of the gym also helps, the list suggests. For example, road running uses 700 calories an hour, but this falls to 580 if you use a treadmill.