squashgodfather says "squash gets ya fit fast"

Forbes Magazine has rated squash as the "healthiest sport."

Squash has been rated as the top sport in a survey of the 'Ten Healthiest Sports' published by respected US business and investment magazine Forbes.

Writer Neal Santelmann explains that "each of these sporting activities is a great way to get you fit--and keep you there."

Ratings were based upon consultations with fitness experts - coaches, personal trainers, competitors and exercise physiologists - as well as "a dash of personal experience". The four basic physiological components of fitness were rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being "excellent," 4 being "darn good," 3 being "good," 2 being "not bad" and 1 being "nothing special."

The survey quantified calorie burn (in parentheses) based upon the energy expenditure of a 190-pound person over 30 minutes and is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being 450+ calories, 4 being 400-450 calories, 3 being 350-400 calories, 2 being 300-350 calories and 1 being 250-300 calories.

The magazine points out that "Calorie burn rates are from the American College of Sports Medicine; whenever possible, we selected the rate for "moderate" or similar intensity."

Scores were tallied to arrive at an individual rating for each sport. "Of course," added Santelmann, "physiological benefits, injury risks and calorie burn can vary widely depending upon the technique, vigour, care and enthusiasm with which you pursue the sport."

Squash - scored an overall score of 22.5, ahead of Rowing with 22.0 - reads: "The preferred game of Wall Street has convenience on its side, as 30 minutes on the squash court provides an impressive cardio respiratory workout. Extended rallies and almost constant running builds muscular strength and endurance in the lower body, while lunges, twists and turns increase flexibility in the back and abdomen. "For people just getting into the game, it's almost too much to sustain, but once you get there, squash is tremendous," says Paul Assaiante, head coach of the five-time defending national intercollegiate champion men's squash team at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. Assaiante recommends a regimen of yoga, sprinting and distance running for preparation.

The ten sports highlighted in the Forbes survey (in final rating order) were: Squash, Rowing, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Cross-Country Skiing, Basketball, Cycling, Running, Modern Pentathlon and Boxing.