Skip running and try these fun exercises instead
Running may seem like the most effective way to lose weight, but it can get monotonous
Putting on your shoes, comfy clothes and heading out for a run may appear like the easiest way to lose weight if you aren’t a big fan of gymming. The high-intensity exercise pumps your heart rate and helps burn off extra calories. But what if doing it everyday becomes too mundane? There are quite a few cardio exercises that you can go for to lose weight.
Transformational life coach and fitness enthusiast Vaneeta Batra says, “At a 10minute per mile pace, you will roughly lose 10 calories a minute. The faster you go, the more calories you burn. But if running isn’t your favourite activity, there are plenty of other exercises that can help you lose calories at a fast rate. In general, you burn more calories by doing high-intensity weight training than you do with running.”
Here’s a low-down on some fun exercises that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
FIVE EXERCISES THAT ARE FUN AND HELP IN WEIGHT LOSS High-knee running
Well, this is a slight modification to the usual running. Instead of moving forward, high-knee running happens in one place. You just need to jog at a rapid pace in one place while lifting your knees as high as possible, says the expert. Quickly pump your arms up and down during high-knee running. It is a vigorous cardio workout that raises your heart rate while strengthening your lower body.
Jumping rope
Being an adult does not mean you should stop jumping rope or skipping with a rope. This exercise can be done indoors or outdoors. You can pick the time and place as well. It burns calories very quickly, and strengthens and tones the legs.
Dumbbell front squats
This one is a bit hard, but it is an effective exercise to help you build stronger abs and full-body strength. You can start by holding a pair of dumbbells up to your shoulders. “While keeping your core tight, push your hips back and squat down until your squat is parallel to the ground. Then drive through your heels and hips to stand back up, flexing your quads and glutes to finish,” says Batra.
Trampoline
You must have seen many kids jumping on a trampoline. But it’s not just for kids. You just need 10 minutes of bouncing to stay fit. In order to optimise your calorie burn, stay on the balls of your feet, lean forward and bend your knees. Bounce deep into the trampoline and squeeze the core to ensure that all muscles in the body are being used.
Kettlebell swings
“Kettlebell swings can help to burn about 20 calories a minute,” says Batra. If you know how to add kettlebell to your workout the right way, this exercise works very well. It’s not a movement that you are used to. It taxes your body to burn fat faster, as the swings are of high intensity.