Are you struggling to lose weight but not seeing results? It might be time to switch up your workout routine. Studies have shown that sticking to the same exercises can lead to plateauing, causing weight loss to slow down or stop altogether.
To help you keep things fresh and effective, we’ve compiled a list of 30 incredibly effective workouts for weight loss. Incorporating these into your routine can help get you back on track towards achieving your goals.
1. Interval training
Interval training involves alternating between short, high-intensity bursts of activity and rest periods. This type of workout can be done with almost any type of exercise, from running to cycling to weightlifting.
Not only does it help burn calories during the workout, but the intense bursts of activity can increase your metabolism, leading to continued calorie burn even after the workout is over.
2. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Similar to interval training, HIIT involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by brief rest periods. However, with HIIT, the intensity of the exercise is typically higher, and the rest periods are shorter.
HIIT has been shown to be more effective at burning calories and promoting weight loss than steady-state cardio workouts.
3. Tabata
Tabata is a type of HIIT workout that involves 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for a total of 4 minutes. It can be done with a variety of exercises, from bodyweight movements to cardio machines.
Tabata has been shown to be highly effective at burning calories and promoting weight loss in a short period of time.
4. Cardio
Cardio workouts such as running, cycling, and swimming are great for burning calories and promoting weight loss. Start with 20 to 30 minutes of steady-state cardio and gradually increase the time and intensity as your fitness level improves.
5. Circuit training
Circuit training involves performing a series of exercises back-to-back with little to no rest in between. It can be done with bodyweight exercises or with equipment such as weights or resistance bands.
Circuit training is a great way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, and build strength all at once.
6. Plyometrics
Plyometrics are explosive exercises that involve jumping and bounding. They are great for burning calories and improving power and explosiveness. Examples include burpees, box jumps, and jump squats.
7. Bodyweight exercises
Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges are great for burning calories and improving strength and endurance. They can be done anywhere and require no equipment, making them a convenient option for anyone looking to lose weight.
8. Weightlifting
Weightlifting not only burns calories during the workout, but it also helps build muscle, which can increase the amount of calories you burn at rest.
Incorporate compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses for maximum calorie burn and muscle building benefits.
9. Kickboxing
Kickboxing involves a combination of punches, kicks, and other martial arts moves. It’s a great way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness while also learning self-defense techniques.
10. Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact but highly effective workout for weight loss. It works your entire body and can burn up to 500 calories per hour. Try incorporating different strokes and drills to keep things interesting.
11. Rowing
Rowing is a challenging but highly effective workout for burning calories and promoting weight loss. It works your upper and lower body as well as your core, making it a great full-body workout.
12. Stair climbing
Stair climbing is a simple but effective workout for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness. Try incorporating it into your daily routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or doing a stair workout at the gym.
13. Boxing
Boxing is a full-body workout that can burn up to 800 calories per hour. It involves a combination of punching, footwork, and defensive moves, making it a great way to build strength and coordination while also burning calories.
14. Dancing
Dancing is a fun way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. It can be done in a group class or at home with a dance video or game. Try different styles such as salsa, hip hop, or Zumba to keep things interesting.
15. Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a highly effective workout for burning calories and promoting weight loss. It works your entire body and can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour.
Try it on a machine at the gym or hit the slopes if you have access to a snowy climate.
16. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and burn calories while enjoying nature. Depending on the terrain, it can be a low- or high-intensity workout and can burn up to 500 calories per hour.
17. Jump rope
Jump rope is a simple but effective workout for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness. It requires minimal equipment and can be done anywhere. Try different variations such as double unders or high knees to keep things interesting.
18. Kettlebell swings
Kettlebell swings are a highly effective exercise for burning calories and building strength and power. They work your entire body and can be done with just one piece of equipment – a kettlebell.
19. Battle ropes
Battle ropes are a fun and challenging workout that can burn up to 400 calories per hour. They involve whipping heavy ropes up and down to work your upper body, core, and cardiovascular system.
20. Agility drills
Agility drills involve quick movements and changes of direction and can be a fun way to improve coordination and burn calories. Try ladder drills or cone drills for a challenging workout.
21. Jumping jacks
Jumping jacks are a simple but effective exercise for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness. They can be done as a warm-up or incorporated into a full-body workout.
22. Jumping lunges
Jumping lunges are a challenging but highly effective exercise for burning calories and building lower body strength and power. They can be done with bodyweight or while holding weights for an extra challenge.
23. Mountain climbers
Mountain climbers are a full-body exercise that can burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness while also working your core and lower body. They can be done at different speeds and intensity levels for a customizable workout.
24. Kicking drills
Kicking drills are a fun and challenging workout that can burn calories while improving leg strength and flexibility. Try different types of kicks such as roundhouse kicks or side kicks for variety.
25. Resistance band workouts
Resistance bands are a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a range of workouts targeting different muscle groups. Incorporate resistance band workouts into your routine to help build strength and burn calories.
26. Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact but highly effective workout for building core strength and improving flexibility. It can also help improve posture and prevent injuries.
27. Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce stress. It can also be a highly effective workout for burning calories, especially in more vigorous styles such as power yoga.
28. Boxing bag workouts
Boxing bag workouts involve punching and kicking a heavy bag for a full-body workout that can burn up to 600 calories per hour. It’s a great way to build strength, improve coordination, and relieve stress.
29. Stationary bike
A stationary bike is a great low-impact workout for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness. Try incorporating intervals or increasing the resistance for a more challenging workout.
30. Treadmill
A treadmill is a classic cardio machine that can be used for steady-state or interval workouts. Try incorporating incline walking or running to improve lower body strength and burn extra calories.