7 Exercises to lose weight

Published: 03/31/2016 - Updated: 03/31/2016

Possibly everyone knows that exercise is necessary in order to be in good shape and, above all, it is a pillar in any weight loss plan.

Thanks to exercise, not only do you burn calories but you can also promote muscle gain which, in turn, makes your metabolism more active. However, often choosing which type of exercise is best for you can be confusing, although all forms can help you lose weight one way or another. Getting to know some of the available options can help you choose the correct one for you.

1. Hiking

One of the most recommended exercises to lose weight is walking. This is because it is easy to perform, does not require specialised equipment apart from some good footwear and can be done almost anywhere.

When you walk at a constant speed for about 30 to 45 minutes, you can burn between 220 and 360 calories, which is a very favorable outcome if you are doing it up to 5 times a week. It is especially advisable to practice walking outdoors.

2. Swimming

Swimming can be a very fulfilling activity and it is estimated that on average it can burn between 400 and 700 calories per hour of swimming. It is also an exercise that helps to tone our muscles.

Swimming is a low impact exercise, is useful for improving overall condition and strengthening muscles, as well as being effective for weight loss and helping to work out our whole body.

3. Tennis

If you are interested in exercise equipment and competition, you make like to consider tennis. A good tennis match can help you to burn about 500 calories per hour. Another advantage of tennis is that you do not need to be an expert to burn calories, simply hitting the ball can help you to lose weight.

Moreover, there are more benefits of tennis such as the fact that it helps us to improve our physical condition, to work the upper body as well as our lower body, it promotes better flexibility, improves posture, stimulates muscle mass gain and also favors co-ordination.

4. Skipping

If you want a quick, effective exercise that you can also do at home, do not hesitate to try something as basic as skipping as it is estimated that a good session can burn 600 to 800 calories per hour.

It is a high-impact exercise which strengthens both muscle and bone, and helps to work your legs, arms and joints.

A skipping session should last between 15 to 20 minutes, as it is counted as intensive exercise.

Skipping incorrectly can lead to injuries, which is why it is advised to keep your legs together with your knees slightly bent when practicing. Skipping must be done with pointed toes and avoiding your heels from hitting the ground. Also the rope must be held up to your hips with the palms of your hands facing towards your body.

5. Aerobics

For a long time, this was the quintessential type of exercise to lose weight because it is able to accelerate our heart rate enough to burn fat very effectively in our body and is therefore an excellent exercise for weight loss.

Aerobics routines usually last between 45 minutes to an hour and can be done in the gym with help from an instructor or in the comfort of your home with help from a video as a guide.

Aerobics is a low-impact exercise which also promotes our cardiovascular health.

6. Crossfit

A relatively new concept combines different types of exercises from weight training to speed exercises. Crossfit can be an excellent choice to burn calories, as well as to gain strength, condition the body and improve coordination. It is especially recommended for exercise enthusiasts.

One of the advantages of crossfit is that the routines are often very varied and almost always offer new challenges. Crossfit is ideal for those seeking not only lose weight but to improve physical condition and fitness in general. It is therefore suitable for those seeking challenging and varied fitness routines.

7. Trampolining

This is an exercise that can make us burn a considerable amount of calories. The simple action of jumping on trampoline may seem very basic, yet a complete routine can be ideal for weight loss.

It is a low-impact exercise, so people with joint problems can also practice trampolining. Trampoline exercise is usually a fun experience and can be combined with other exercises. Routine duration varies between 15 to 30 minutes.

Considerations

There are many options for exercises to lose weight. However, there are some aspects which are important to take into account before opting for any of them.

Remember to choose activities that you will be able to perform regularly and avoid choosing gyms or sites which you find difficult to access.

Opt for exercises that you think you will enjoy and fit your needs. Finally, do not forget to consider injuries or conditions that may impede on your ability to do a certain exercise.

About the author
  • Miriam Reyes

    Miriam Reyes is a professional expert in nutrition and dietetics. She has more than 12 years of experience in caring for patients with overweight and eating problems. She studied at the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA), where she obtained a degree in nutrition. Linkedin profile.