10 Exercises That Burn the Most Calories

Best ways to burn calories and boost your health

Exercise is good for you. But not all workout routines are created equally. Some forms of exercise burn a lot of calories. Others? Not so much. It can be tough figuring out which form of exercise you should invest in for maximum calorie burn and full-body health benefits. Here are ten workout routines that burn calories galore.

1. Cycling

You should definitely invest in a bicycle if you want to burn up to 1,000 calories per hour! Plus, cycling is great cardio. And as an added bonus, you’re able to strengthen and tone your calves, thighs, and behind.

2. Jumping Rope

Rope jumping isn’t just for children; it’s one of the best exercises for burning calories. An hour of jumping rope can burn up to 850 calories. So make it your goal to spend at least 10 to 20 minutes each day jumping rope. It’s a fun way to end the day. Bear in mind, though, that jumping rope is a high-impact workout. Avoid it if you have knee trouble.

3. Swimming

If you don’t enjoy sweating but love being out in the sun, you should swim. Swimming can burn up to 840 calories in one hour, and is great for your entire body. The bonus is that swimming’s also low impact, so it’s easy on your joints.

4. Aerobics

Aerobics is fun, dynamic, and hassle-free. Plus, it burns up to 700 calories per hour. What’s more, aerobics will tone and strengthen your thighs, butt, and arms.

5. Elliptical Training

The elliptical trainer is way more fun and interesting than a treadmill, and can help you burn up to 600 calories per hour! Plus if you push backward rather than forward, you’ll burn even more calories. Next time you’re at the gym, give it a try!

6. Zumba

Zumba is a fun, high-energy workout that burns between 400 and 700 calories an hour. It also burns stubborn fat and tones muscles fast. You’ll learn some sweet dance moves and meet new people, too.

7. Water Aerobics

Water aerobics may conjure up images of seniors in a retirement community, but it’s something that can benefit you, too. Water aerobics actually burns anywhere from 200 to 400 calories an hour, depending on the intensity. And since it’s low-impact, you don’t have to worry about any joint trouble.

8. Running

We’ve all heard about a runner’s high, and it’s real. Running is arguably one of the most effective forms of exercise. You can burn around 600 calories per hour running. Plus, it strengthens and tones your thighs and butt. It’s high impact, though, you shouldn’t run If you have knee issues.

9. HIIT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short quick routines done at a fast pace, and you alternate different exercises without resting in between. Best of all, you only have to do HIIT for 20 minutes to burn around 300 calories. Not bad!

10. Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga is a calorie burner for sure, especially when done in a hot room. This type of yoga involves several repetitive motions in a constant flow. It is gentle on your body. Ashtanga yoga is best for burning the most calories in a short period and is great for increasing your heart rate as well.

Go hard and it’ll all work out

If you want to feel healthier, it all starts with the right forms of exercise. Getting the most burn for your effort will help fast-track your heart and health goals. Find a routine the works and stick with it. You’re sure to love the results.