Watching sport from sofa can burn as many calories as exercise, study finds

WATCHING sport from the sofa could keep fans in trim as it can burn as many calories as exercise, say scientists.

They claim the bodily reactions during a 90-minute football match on the telly were equal to the effects of a 45-minute run.

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Fans weighing 80kg burnt up to 540 calories by fidgeting, jumping, air-punching or shouting for three quarters of the match.

A tennis fan cheering and clapping during a three-hour match could burn up to 432 calories, the same as an hour’s swim.

And athletics fans watching for an hour while pacing for a quarter of it could burn up to 162 calories — the same as a 30-minute walk.

The formula was devised by sports scientist Dr Dale Esliger at Loughborough University.

He found 42 per cent of fans watching sport at home reported an increased heart rate, an adrenaline rush (30 per cent) or an inability to sit still (38 per cent).

Dr Esliger said: “The research provides further support that watching sport is positively associated with wellbeing and vitality.”

Elsewhere, a whopping 88% say watching sport with others gives them an energy boost and one in five (19%) believe it exerts more energy than playing cricket, golf or practising yoga.

But it’s not just watching sport that’s left Brits feeling energised, 55% say the summer of sporting celebrations has encouraged them to make changes to their exercise regime and get active.