What do you really know about calories? Most of us can agree that a candy bar is generally going to have more calories than a piece of fruit and your large triple-mocha latte with extra whip likely has more calories than a veggie smoothie. But when it comes to the other side of the calorie discussion—burning calories—the “rules” can seem a bit harder to follow.
How to burn calories fast
Our bodies already burn calories while doing what bodies naturally do (digesting our food, for example). But there are quicker, more effective ways you can shed those cals too. The best way? Through good old-fashioned exercise.
Whether you prefer strength training, yoga, cardio exercise or team sports, one thing is true—if your heart is pumping, you’re burning calories. Tracking your calories—consumed and burned—can be a helpful tool in reaching your weight management or physical health goals. If you’re looking for calorie-burning activities to help you manage your weight, start with this list:
- 30 minutes of mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while working on your muscles and core. And the best part? You can burn up to 1,000 calories without having to spend time “spinning” on a stationary bike.1
- Take a dip! You get a whole-body workout while you’re swimming.You’re moving your arms, kicking your legs and working your core to stay afloat. This ranks as one of the top calorie-burning cardio workouts you can do in under 30 minutes.2
- Racquetball is an excellent way to burn calories in a short amount of time. The side-to-side sprinting and arm swings are a great way to get in a solid 20-minute workout.3
- Jumping rope burns more calories than jogging.You can also improve on your coordination and balance in just a quick 20-minute session. If you’re feeling daring and want to master the craft, focus on extra hand and foot drills.4
- Yoga is the perfect way to build mind-body connectivity and also strengthen muscles throughout the body. The variations of sequences will help sculpt your body while making you more flexible for half an hour a session.5
No matter your preferred method of sweating, combining cardio with resistance training will help you enjoy a happier, healthier and more energized life.
If you’re looking for help managing calories, reach out for help! Our team of health experts is ready to work with you to make a plan that’ll stick.
You should consult your physician or other healthcare professional before starting any fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time during exercise, you should stop immediately.
SOURCES
1http://www.mensfitness.com/weight-loss/burn-fat-fast/10-ways-burn-1000-calories-and-not-even-realize-it/slide/2
2http://www.livestrong.com/article/18777-cardio-workout-burns-calories/
3http://www.shapefit.com/cardio/cardio-exercises.html
4http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/10-exercises-that-burn-more-calories-than-running/slide/6
5http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/yoga/poses/blast-500-calories-doing-yoga/
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