What Exercise Burns the Most Calories?

I may not be a huge supporter of calorie restricting diets, but there’s no denying the importance of burning calories when it comes to weight loss and fitness.

One of the main benefits of exercise is maintaining a caloric balance. What I mean by this is that you should be burning approximately the same number of calories that you’re taking in each day. This will help ensure that you maintain a healthy weight.

Of course many diets recommend a calorie deficit. This refers to a situation in which the number of calories burned exceeds the number of calories consumed. While this can definitely contribute to weight loss, it often leads to extreme feelings of hunger that only result in rebounding. A better approach is to get moving, and burn more calories with healthy exercise.

So what exercises burn the most calories? Let’s look at the top 5 exercises to keep you toned, fit, and maintaining your caloric balance.

What Exercise Burns the Most Calories?

#5 Calorie-Burning Exercise – Rowing

Maximum Intensity: 650 calories burned per hour

Stationary rowing machines have dwindled in popularity over the years, but they still offer a great calorie-burning workout. Engaging your lower and upper body, you’ll not only burn a ton of calories but you’ll also get an amazing shoulder, back, arm, and leg workout in all at the same time.

Maximum Intensity: 815 calories burned per hour

Jumping rope, which is often incorporated into boxing workouts, is equally effective when it comes to burning calories. What’s great about jump rope is that it can be done easily anywhere. If you’re looking for a convenient way to jumpstart your metabolism every morning, or need to let off some steam after work, give this Jump Rope Workout a try.

#2 Calorie-Burning Exercise – Squash

Maximum Intensity: 820 calories burned per hour

Ever played squash? If so, then you know how much of a sweat you build up in a matter of minutes. This reflects how intense the calorie burn really is, which makes it #2 on my list of top 5 calorie-burning exercises. It’s a great way to get moving and have a little fun at the gym. The competitive aspect will also help keep you motivated!

And the #1 exercise that burns the most calories is…

#1 Calorie-Burning Exercise – Running

Maximum Intensity: 850 calories burned per hour

An hour of running at a high intensity translates to about 8 miles. But even half that distance will give you better results than a lot of other options out there. Biking is about equally effective, but I like the full-body nature of running much better. Running outside or on a treadmill will get you burning calories and fat in no time. Check out some amazing Running Workout Routines here. Believe it or not, you have options when it comes to running! Defeat boredom and spice things up a bit with these great routines.

All of these options will get you burning more calories and feeling more toned in no time!