When it comes to burning calories, not all exercises are created equal. Some activities prove to be more effective in torching those extra calories than others.
Whether you are looking to shed some pounds or simply maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to find exercises that help you burn the most calories. In this article, we will explore ten exercises that are known to be highly effective in calorie burning.
1. Running
Running is a popular form of cardiovascular exercise that can burn a significant number of calories. The number of calories burned depends on factors such as speed, distance, and body weight.
On average, a 160-pound person can expect to burn around 606 calories per hour of running at 5 mph. Increasing the speed or running uphill can further intensify the calorie burn.
2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a form of exercise that alternates between short bursts of intense activity and brief recovery periods. High-intensity interval training not only boosts your metabolism but also helps you burn calories long after the workout is over.
HIIT workouts can involve various exercises such as burpees, jump squats, and mountain climbers, resulting in a high caloric expenditure.
3. CrossFit
CrossFit is a high-intensity training program that incorporates elements of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises. Due to its intense nature and combination of different activities, CrossFit can help you burn a significant amount of calories.
The workouts are designed to be challenging and usually last for around one hour.
4. Cycling
Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can be done both outdoors and indoors on a stationary bike. It is an effective way to burn calories while also improving cardiovascular fitness.
The number of calories burned depends on factors such as speed and resistance. On average, a leisurely bike ride at around 12-13.9 mph can burn approximately 410 calories per hour for a person weighing 160 pounds.
5. Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is a simple and budget-friendly exercise that can burn a high number of calories. This activity engages multiple muscle groups and also improves coordination and cardiovascular fitness.
On average, a 160-pound person can burn around 730 calories per hour of jumping rope at a moderate intensity.
6. Swimming
Swimming is a full-body workout that is gentle on the joints and can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels. It is a highly effective calorie-burning exercise since it involves using virtually all major muscle groups.
On average, a 160-pound person can burn around 423 calories per hour of swimming at a moderate intensity.
7. Boxing
Boxing workouts involve a combination of punches, footwork, and defensive maneuvers. This high-intensity activity not only helps you burn calories but also improves strength, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
The exact number of calories burned depends on factors such as intensity and duration, but an hour of boxing can burn around 727 calories for a 160-pound person.
8. Rowing
Rowing is a full-body exercise that works the upper and lower body muscles simultaneously. This low-impact activity is not only great for burning calories but also improves posture and cardiovascular fitness.
On average, a 160-pound person can burn around 438 calories per hour of rowing at a moderate pace.
9. Circuit Training
Circuit training involves performing a series of exercises targeting different muscle groups with minimal rest in between. This high-intensity workout keeps your heart rate elevated, leading to significant calorie burn.
The number of calories burned varies depending on the exercises performed, but circuit training can be an effective way to maximize calorie expenditure.
10. Stair Climbing
Stair climbing is an excellent exercise for burning calories and toning the lower body muscles. Whether using a stair climber machine or climbing actual stairs, this activity engages large muscle groups and gets your heart rate up.
On average, a 160-pound person can burn around 657 calories per hour of stair climbing.