WATCHING sport on the sofa can keep fans in good shape as it can burn as many calories as exercise, scientists say.
They claim that bodily reactions during a 90-minute televised football match were equal to the effects of a 45-minute run.
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Fans weighing 80kg burned up to 540 calories fidgeting, jumping, punching the air or shouting for three-quarters of the match.
A tennis fan cheering and clapping during a three-hour match can burn up to 432 calories, the same as an hour of swimming.
And athletics fans watching for an hour while pacing can burn up to 162 calories – the same as a 30-minute walk.
The formula was developed by sports scientist Dr Dale Esliger from Loughborough University.
It found that 42% of fans watching sports at home reported increased heart rate, adrenaline rush (30%) or inability to sit still (38%).
Esliger said, “The research provides additional support that watching sports is positively associated with well-being and vitality.”
Elsewhere, 88% say watching sport with other people gives them an energy boost and one in five (19%) believe it exerts more energy than playing cricket, golf or yoga.
But it wasn’t just watching the sport that left the British energized. 55% say the summer of sporting celebrations has encouraged them to make changes to their exercise regime and get active.
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