Young fitness woman used a skipping rope, sun and sky on background, copy space (Jari Hindström)
Go to the park on a Sunday afternoon, and you'll probably notice that people of every shape, size, and fitness level are running. They huff and puff, snort and swear, and after a while, they call it a day. Unfortunately for them, that two-mile jog burned through about as many calories as a couple apples. Fortunately for you, we spoke with Adam Rosante (CFT, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, founder of the People's Bootcamp) and compiled a list of exercises more effective at burning calories than running in circles ever will be.
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1. Boxing
If you haven't tried boxing yet, you're missing out on quite possibly the greatest workout available. Think total-body, and mind.
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2. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is not only an amazing workout that incorporates core work, flexibility, dexterity, and leads to shredded forearms, it's also a test of your mind, as you piece together the puzzle and navigate your way up. Plus, if you're afraid of heights, it's a great way to conquer your fears.
3. Dancing
Excluding the "Macarena," dancing is a very effective calorie burning exercise. Plus, if you get good enough, you may even catch the eye of a beautiful woman. Try picking up girls while running.
4. Metabolic Resistance Training (AKA circuit training, Crossfit)
Lifting weights builds muscle and torches fat. It also boosts your metabolism and causes what is known as the "afterburn effect," when your body continues to burn calories at a quickened pace even after you're done working out. It's cardio, it's weightlifting, it's the whole package people!
5. Speed Skating and Cross Country Skiing
With winter comes winter activities like skating and cross country skiing. But don't think you have to be zipping around the rink like Apolo Ohno, or gliding through the snow like a seasoned veteran, to make the exercise effective. Push yourself and try your best, and you'll be just fine. Sometimes, the hardest part of a workout is just showing up.
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6. Burpees
You can never go wrong with burpees. Go do 20 without a rest, and just try to argue with us. You'll probably be so out of breath, you won't be able to even speak.
7. Rowing
Almost every gym has a row machine, and you'd be smart to use it. The question isn't which muscles a row machine uses, but which muscles a row machine doesn't use?
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8. Jumping Rope
If it's good enough for Rocky, it's good enough for you.
9. Jump Squats
If you can do these bad boys for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest, and can repeat that structure for over ten minutes, you'll not only strengthen your legs, heart, and lungs, but you'll keep burning through the calories long after you finish exercising (and crying).
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10. Rope Training (AKA Rope Battling, Rope Slams)
There are a million different varieties to this exercises, from waves, to slams, to twists, and everything in between. If you can do any of them for more than 30 seconds at a time without dropping the intensity level, you're doing pretty damn good. Just don't try to tell us you're not feeling the burn, well, everywhere.
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