We all know what Chess is. It is a board game where players just have to arrive at the venue, sit and move those chess pieces on the checkerboard. However, sometimes, the game may be mentally draining, as it can go on for a few days if the players are Grandmasters. Many people prefer sports that require physical engagement, such as running, football, swimming, or simply working out to lose weight.
But does playing chess helps in losing calories? The outright answer to this query is Yes. You can burn as many calories as you want simply by playing chess. A neurology professor, Robert Sapolsky, once stated that grandmasters can burn up to 6,000 calories every day by playing chess. Following his words, many chess players have agreed that they have lost some weight after playing the game.
This article will determine how playing chess actually helps in shedding those extra calories you have taken. Keep on reading below.
How To Burn Calories By Playing Chess?
As mentioned earlier, playing chess just involves sitting and moving pieces. So, how would a game with almost no physical activity helps in burning calories? Check out some of the few facts we’ve mentioned down below!
Playing Chess Is Stressful
Chess can be really stressful when playing, as you need to use your brain constantly to decide which piece to move and analyze the opponent. Making moves and reading your opponent can be very hard in serious tournaments. A lot of tension in the game leads to a significant loss of weight. Thus, playing chess on a regular basis would take a toll on you for sure.
High Blood Pressure
If you are suffering from high blood pressure, then playing chess can trigger it further. It’s always great if you are on the winning side, but the results can be devastating if the situation is vice versa. Increased blood pressure plays a significant role in burning calories, thus leading to weight loss.
Is There Any Example Case Of Weight Loss Through Chess?
There is quite a notable example! In the 1984 World Chess Championship, The game was called off as both the players, Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, seemed to have lost over 22 pounds. This colossal weight loss made both the opponents exhausted and tired, thus making them unable to continue with the draining game.
Take Away
Although chess is only a sitting board game, it is complex enough to give you its fair share of stress. Some studies have proved that you could burn up to 6000 calories per day simply by playing chess. The game needs you to stay focused and read your opponent’s next moves through their faces.
This can be very stressful, leading to high blood pressure, increased heartbeat, and breathing. Therefore, if you do not want to lose weight or burn any calories, you’ll need to take the game as it is, a game!
