Keep moving. Those are the two key watchwords when you are looking to stay healthy. You need to keep moving and air hockey does just that. While it is not a physically demanding activity, it does keep you moving and helps your heart
How many calories does air hockey burn? When playing air hockey you may burn about 280 calories per hour or about the same as a casual ping pong game. Give or take about 10 calories. If you play hard then you can expect to burn more.
Air hockey is not as involved as real hockey or other top sports. The good news is that it is not as sedate as sitting, sleeping, eating and similar activities. If you are moving, then you are going to burn more calories.
Do not be disappointed if you do not burn a lot of calories playing air hockey. A casual game will burn a minimal amount. When you take a close look at playing the game, the most activity comes from moving your arms.
Your whole body is not involved in the game nor making a lot of moves. So your calorie burn count will be on the low end of the scale.
Even though you do not burn a lot of calories playing air hockey, you do get a lot of benefits from participating in the activity. Here are some of those benefits:
You get a good cardio workout- air hockey is great for your cardiovascular system
It is possible to lose weight- even a little activity will get you on the right path to weight loss. This includes using regular air hockey games. Dropping a pound or two is great motivation to continue playing
Builds social skills- you need another person to play the game. You can build your social skills while playing.
You can develop good sportsmanship- besides learning to play well, you learn how to lose correctly, be a good winner and more.
You learn how to play fair- following the rules will help your kids learn how to obey rules later in life
Develop skills- air hockey is a fast game and can develop good reflexes
Teaches children how to win- they can learn from their mistakes, improve their game, learn how to persevere and develop the right strategy to win
Answering your questions
#1. What are some of the do’s and don’t of air hockey?
First, buy extra pucks. You will need them. Second, practice, practice, practice. Third, don’t get over excited in your play or get too rough. Finally, don’t let the table get dirty.
You may not burn a lot of calories playing air hockey, but you will burn some. Playing air hockey is not the same as playing ice hockey. It is a game that is built more for entertainment and fun.
The game is not designed to replace any of those health exercises you hate. It will contribute to your overall health but it is not a major player. You will get lots of healthy benefits from playing the game but don’t forget the most important benefit-- have fun.