Top 10 Calorie Burning Exercises

Top 10 Calorie Burning Exercises

Most of us are tempted to overindulge during winter. Don't stress about a few extra calories - let them motivate you instead! Remember that food is fuel, and channel the energy from that extra helping of turkey into a great workout. We've rounded up ten of the highest-burning exercises to help you create a calorie deficit. Whether you want to slim down or get ripped, these exercises will help you reach your goals in record time.

• Spinning - Known for its intensity, this is one of our most popular classes. Stick with it. On average, participants burn around 600 calories per 45 minute class - this varies depending on gender, height and weight, level of fitness, and motivational skills of the instructor!

• Burpees - We know you hate them, but if you want to crank up your calorie deficit, add burpees to your workout. Repeat the exercise as many times as you can for thirty seconds straight. That's one set - aim for five. You'll keep burning calories even after you leave the gym. 

• Rowing - A session on the rower engages your whole body. Naturally, by working more muscles, you'll burn more calories. No wonder rowers are often called “the fittest athletes in the world."

• Weight training - Lifting weights is an intense energy expenditure - especially as you get stronger and lift heavier loads. But more importantly, strength training helps you burn more calories every day. For every pound of muscle you gain, your body burns 50-70 additional calories per day. If you're new to weights, try Body Pump - you'll burn about 400 calories in one class.

• Mountain biking - Hitting the trails may not burn as many calories as a vigorous spinning session - it takes an hour-long ride to achieve the same results - but it's a great way to work fitness into your next holiday!

• Running - A good run leaves you basking in the glow of “runner’s high,” an adrenaline boost that comes from really pushing yourself - and burning loads of calories in the process. Challenge yourself by playing with speed and incline on the treadmill. 

• Butterfly stroke - This advanced swimming technique really torches calories - up to 150 per 10 minutes of laps. Try it after you've warmed up, but before moving on to easier strokes - the added resistance of working out underwater makes swimming a great calorie burner. 

• Elliptical trainer - Like the rower, this popular cardio machine works your entire body, toning arms and legs while burning calories and getting your heart racing.

• Squats - Bodyweight squats. Jump squats. Back squats. They're all hugely effective calorie burners, so be sure to master this compound movement. Bonus: your body can support a lot of weight while performing a squat (just don't let it compromise your form), so you'll burn even more. 

• Cross country skiing – If you're a fan of winter sports, this is a fun fat burner to try. You'll actually burn more calories training before hit the trails - the elliptical is the best way to get in shape for ski season.