Ready to sweat but want to make sure you’re burning the highest number of calories? Then this ones for you.
When it comes to burning calories and losing weight, there’s often confusion around what the best exercise is to get the best bang for your buck. It’s widely recommended and thought that running is your best choice and, although it may be easy to practice and start right away, it’s not exactly the top calorie burner. Especially as a beginner where you may only be able to run short distances or for short periods of time.
Fortunately, there is so much more beyond running.
The Best Exercises For Burning Calories
One thing to note before we get stuck into it.
These numbers are only averages and will vary based on multiple factors including:
- Your age and current weight
- Intensity of the activity
- Duration
- And overall pace
1. Jumping Rope
Average Calories Per Hour: 650
Childhood memory alert!
Believe it or not, jumping rope is one of the most effective exercises when it comes to burning calories. So much so that it’s possible to burn over 1,000 calories per hour when using weighted ropes, although the average is around the 650-750 mark.
And not only is this great for burning calories, it also strengthens your legs, buttocks, arms and shoulders.
2. Indoor/Stationary Cycling
Average Calories Per Hour: 600
Get those helmets on and start pedalling. Well, you don’t really need a helmet for this.
If you have access to a spin bike or indoor bicycle, you’ll be able to burn a very healthy number of calories, even at a light to moderate intensity. Best of all, you can pop a movie on or read a book while doing it.
3. Rowing
Average Calories Per Hour: 600
It’s not for everyone, but jumping on a rowing machine is an amazing way to burn calories while also working out your arms, shoulders and back.
Be warned though, the calorie burn is insane, but the workout is intense.
4. Boxing / Kickboxing
Average Calories Per Hour: 600
Boxing is another great way to get a good full body workout while also burning a boatload of calories.
You don’t need to be sparring in the ring or working with a partner. If you’ve got access to a bag, some gloves and keep your feet moving throughout the workout, you’ll be able to burn around 600 calories an hour.
5. Climbing Steps or the Stairmaster
Average Calories Per Hour: 550
The dreaded stairmaster.
Growing glutes and building strong booties since it’s inception in the 80’s.
While it may not be everyone’s first choice of gym equipment, it’s certainly one of the best if your goal is to smash through those calories. You can expect around 550 calories burned per on the stairmaster, or a little less if you opt for a traditional set of steps instead.
6. Battle Ropes
Average Calories Per Hour: 550
There’s just something oddly satisfying about slamming some big heavy ropes against the ground. And it’s even better that it has the potential of burning over 500 calories an hour.
It’s a shame that not all gyms have a set of these though. But if your local has enough floor space to have these setup, definitely consider giving them a go.
7. Swimming
Average Calories Per Hour: 500
Most people probably wouldn’t think of swimming when talking about high calorie burning workouts. But, it’s up there with the rest, averaging around 500 calories burned per hour.
Best of all, and unlike most others on this list, swimming is low impact and does not put excess stress on your bones and joints. This makes it a great option for those who may be a little older or suffering from an injury.
8. Burpees
Average Calories Per Hour: 500
Oh yes, Burpees!
What kind of list would this be without one of the most hated exercises in existence.
This full body exercise, although primarily an anaerobic exercise, can be done in succession to become an aerobic exercise. And with a potential calorie burn of around 500 an hour, it’s another great option to get yourself sweating with.
9. Weight Training
Average Calories Per Hour: 450
Another option that might not always appear on the obvious list of activities to burn calories, weight training.
It’s not the usual running or cardio based activity that you’d normally turn to, but weight training is surprisingly efficient at burning through those calories. Plus, you’ll get to build muscle and work on muscle endurance at the same time.
So, which is your favourite?