According to Forbes magazine, squash is rated as the healthiest sport in the world. Bearing into mind health and fitness are two different things, Forbes took into consideration cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, calories burnt per 30 minutes, and the risk of injury. Each area was rated out of 5 after consultations with various fitness experts including coaches, personal trainers and exercise physiologists. Squash scored an impressive 22.5 points out of 30. The second best sport, rowing, narrowly lost out to squash at 22 points.
The top 10 sports are:
- Squash
- Rowing
- Rock climbing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Running
- Modern pentathlon
- Boxing
Squash scored:
Cardiorespiratory endurance: 4.5
Muscular strength: 3
Muscular endurance: 5
Flexibility: 3
Calories/30 minutes (517): 5
Injury risk: 2
Total score: 22.5/30