Metabolism is the key to burning calories and achieving weight loss goals. The faster your metabolism functions, the more fat you burn even while resting.
Therefore, finding exercises that boost your metabolism can help in shedding those extra pounds and keeping them off. Here are the top 10 exercises that can truly get your metabolism going:.
1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT consists of short bouts of intense exercise followed by a short rest period. This type of exercise gets your heart rate up and metabolism going while also burning calories quickly.
You can try running or cycling at maximum effort for 30 seconds to a minute followed by a slower pace for the same duration.
2. Resistance Training
Resistant exercises are effective in building lean muscle mass which boosts metabolism by burning calories even post workout.
You can incorporate resistance training using dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands to target different muscle groups and burn more calories while you rest. A combination of squats, deadlifts, push-ups, and lunges can be an effective routine to boost your metabolism.
3. Plyometrics
Plyometric exercises are designed to increase the power, speed, and strength of your muscles. They involve rapid and explosive movements that can increase your heart rate and metabolic rate for a sustained period.
Examples of plyometric exercises include jumping jacks, burpees, jump squats, and box jumps.
4. Sprinting
Similar to HIIT, sprinting the fastest pace can boost metabolism and burn a high number of calories in a short span of time. Even a short sprint session can work wonders for raising your heart rate and metabolic rate for hours after your workout.
5. Jump Rope
Jump rope offers an excellent cardiovascular workout that also increases your metabolic rate. You can work at your own pace and intensity level, and it can be a great way to get your heart rate up and your metabolism going quickly.
6. Running and Jogging
Running and jogging can help increase metabolic rate, strengthen different muscle groups, and burn calories.
These exercises burn a considerable amount of calories and maximize the afterburn effect, leading to sustained calorie burning even after your workout.
7. Cycling
Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise and can increase your metabolic rate, building leg muscles and burning calories. It also puts minimal stress on your joints, making it ideal for people who have joint pain or injuries.
8. Circuit Training
Circuit training is an effective way to burn calories and improve your metabolic rate. Circuit training involves doing eight to ten exercises in a row with a short rest between them, targeting different muscle groups.
9. Swimming
Swimming can be an intense cardiovascular exercise that raises your metabolic rate, burns calories, and improves muscle tone. Swimming is easy on your joints, making it ideal for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, or any other injuries.
10. Walking
Walking is the simplest and most common form of exercise that can raise metabolism and burn calories. Walking for just 30-60 minutes can help improve your metabolic rate and make a considerable difference in your weight loss goals.
The Bottom Line
By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can increase your metabolic rate, improve your fitness, and shed those stubborn extra pounds.
It is essential to note that just exercising alone isn’t enough – a healthy diet, adequate sleep and staying hydrated are important for boosting metabolism and losing weight.