Is there a better set of sports than the racquet sports?

No way, Apps. I give the edge to swimming and cycling as far as holistic. Plus, the latter can transport you 25-40 miles away at 20-25 mph if you're in shape on a decent roadbike.

 

Yes

XC skiing uses arms significantly. Rowing is also full body. But it is a lot easier to find places to swim, and you can do it year round. That's its advantage.

 

Ah, I meant straight up jogging / running, and not those other exercises.

 

Yes. It's really tough.

 

I've read running is highest calorie per mile ratio.

But if you're talking best full body workout sport it's got to be XC Skiing like I said earlier.

 

Played right, badminton is tough.

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I've played basketball all my life. Full court, full intensity.

Tried 5v5 soccer and almost died.

 

The best workout probably differs from person to person. I'm OK with football, swimming, and ping pong, but basketball kills me.

 

i really enjoy boxing.

something about punching someones face in that makes it so much easier for me to engage when I'm gased/tired.

I play a decent level of rugby and that seems to do the trick but swimming, running, cant go wrong.

 

Played with LOFs, it's even more brutal.

Just kidding.

Seriously though, if your opponent is decent it should be a good game and workout.

 

Avid racquetball player here and with an even opponent, it is absolutely one of the best workouts I know of. I think full court basketball might have it beat, though that is more cardio heavy.

Handball is actually an even better workout with competitive players and I got into that for a while but it is hard to find regular players.

 

If you are new to tennis, the only workout you get is walking/running to pick up balls. Not much of an arm workout either.

 

Basketball is the way to go

 

It's spelled "racket" in America.

 

What about JAI-ALAI!?!?!?!

Spoiler

I ain't mad at ya.

 

What about it?

 

Wrestling was by far the most physically demanding for me. Basketball was my favorite and swimming is the most enjoyable and low impact workout but I also love the water.

I kind of hate cyclists/cycling now, well a solid a solid chunk of cyclists (the really intense cyclists) at least. I have a 9 month old puppy and love to walk him on trails and we almost get hit several times each walk (we have been bumped before) by some dork in a bright spandex suit riding way too fast on a public trail. We go through Hershey Park and George Bush park and we have had to leave because of the cyclists. I am 24 but I turn into an angry old man when these whippersnappers come zooming by me and my pup.

 

Acrobatic Mexican style wrestling does it for me...
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