Running is one of the least favorite activities among majority of the population. Although it offers a host of benefits including significant calorie burn, endurance builder, and an excellent stress-reducing activity, not everybody are keen to make running a daily habit.
The good news is that there are other activities that burn the same amount, and in some instances, more calories than running.
There are many exercise routines that are ranked more effective in burning calories than running.
- Kettlebell Swings
If you want to burn those calories fast while sculpting a leaner figure, pick up a kettlebell.
Here’s how to properly execute the kettlebell swing:
- Start on standing position with your feet a tad wider than shoulder-width apart
- Hold the kettlebell with both hands, making sure your arms are placed right in front of your thighs, with palms facing inward
- Assume a squat position while keeping the chest wide open and the back flat
- Swing kettlebell forward through the legs and then forward. Make sure the height is parallel to your chest
- Burpees
The burpee is an excellent movement as it works the entire body while ensuring that you reduce body fat as well. For instance, a man weighing 180 pounds can burn up to 1.5 calories for every burpee. The burpee is an explosive move than can increase your heart rate while ensuring that you get toned muscles from head to toe.
- Jump Rope
Jumping rope is not only effective in getting the heart rate up, but it also helps in promoting balance and coordination. For instance, moderate to intense jump rope sessions can torch up to 13 calories per minute. Jumping rope is also effective when you want to build and tone your shoulders and other parts of the body.
- Battle Ropes
Working with battle ropes during workout can help you burn up to 10 calories per minute. This equipment is perfect for those who want to carve their shoulders, whilst getting the heart rate up.
- Hiking
Make your next hiking trip more like a workout by moving uphill with a load on your back. Carrying something heavy uphill can get your heart pumping hard and fast. If you carry a heavy bag, but not too heavy to cause discomfort, you can burn up to 415 calories per hour.
- Dancing
The art of dancing can burn up to 443 calories per hour. It’s better than running as it incorporates music and fun into the mix, thus making it more engaging and entertaining for both men and women.
- Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is not only challenging but an exciting and fun activity too. You can replace an hour of running with rock climbing either indoors or outdoors. Expect to burn up to 450 calories per hour. Rock climbing is also the perfect activity if your want to tone the body.
- In-line Skating
In-line skating is a fun calorie burning activity that can replace running. In addition to being effortlessly fun, in-line skating can also help in toning the lower part of the body.
- Rowing
Rowing can burn up to 682 calories per hour even when you’re just there sitting on the boat. It is considered as one of the most intense physical activities that you can do outdoors. Lastly, rowing can help you tone up the muscles of the upper body.
- Boxing
This is one of the most effective exercises that helps you burn up to 727 calories per hour. Apart from the obvious cardio workout, you can develop muscles and endurance simply by boxing at least thrice a week.
