Simple Exercises

12 Simple Exercises That Help You Burn the Most Calories

Published on June 17, 2025 by Charlotte Bennett

Are you looking for a no-fuss, simple way to burn calories? The key to weight loss does not require fancy gyms or personal trainers because mastering the right strategies and moves will be enough. It’s simple; some exercises burn more calories than others. The best picks, those that work for multiple muscles and are most effective in making you sweat, are usually the most recommended, and the best part is that they can be attempted at home! Looking to shed those extra calories? Here are 12 easy exercises that can be performed anywhere:

1. Running

Running is one of the best ways to shed those calories and can be done from the comfort of your home, on your treadmill, or outdoors!

American Council on Exercise (ACE) states: Your body weight and running speed determine the number of calories you burn during one hour which ranges between 600 and 900 calories.

Tips Beginners should avoid overexertion when starting out so they should begin with a gradual pace. Run for one minute before walking for two minutes. The established rhythm will help you progress to longer running periods in the future.

2. Jump Rope

Jumping rope isn’t just an activity done for fun; it is an incredibly helpful workout initiated by children and adults alike.

American Council on Exercise (ACE) states: For burnouts performed over the span of an hour, you will roughly be using 700–1,000 calories.

Tips Best attempts can be made with a 30-second jump followed by a 30-second rest. Starting with 10 – 15 minutes is a good goal.

3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

The HIIT workout combines brief bursts of intense exercise with brief periods of rest. The workout enables your body to continue burning calories after the exercise session ends.

Calories burned: 500–900 calories per hour

Example: Jumping jacks (30 sec), rest (10 sec), squats (30 sec), rest (10 sec), push-ups (30 sec)… repeat for 15–20 minutes.

4. Swimming

Swimming activates your arms together with your legs and works your chest as well as back. It’s also great for your joints since there’s no hard impact.

Calories burned: 500–700 calories per hour

Tip: Don’t worry about speed. Just try to move for 20–30 minutes without long breaks.

5. Cycling

Cycling whether outdoors on a bike or indoors on a stationary machine helps you burn many calories while building your leg muscles.

Calories burned: 500–800 calories per hour

Tip: Try short rides at first. Slowly add more time or speed as you feel stronger.

6. Kickboxing

Kickboxing provides an enjoyable workout that helps you release tension while delivering quick movements. The combination of punches and kicks with footwork in kickboxing results in high energy expenditure.

Calories burned: 600–900 calories per hour

Tip: Find a simple kickboxing video online and follow along at home. No need for fancy gear.

Exercises that burns calories

 

7. Rowing

Rowing machines work your legs, arms, back, and stomach. It’s a full-body workout in one motion.

Calories burned: 400–700 calories per hour

Tip: Focus on smooth moves. Use your legs to push and arms to pull.

8. Stair Climbing

Stair climbing works your legs and gets your heart pumping. You can use real stairs or a stair machine.

Calories burned: 500–700 calories per hour

Tip: Go up the stairs, then walk down slowly to rest. Repeat for 10–15 minutes to begin.

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9. Burpees

The burpee exercise combines squatting movements with jumping and push-up actions into a single exercise. The exercise is challenging yet it helps you burn a large number of calories quickly.

Calories burned: 500–800 calories per hour (depending on speed)

Tip: Do 5 burpees, rest for 30 seconds. Repeat 4–5 times.

10. Dancing

Yes, dancing counts! A fast-paced dance session can burn as many calories as a run—and it’s a lot more fun for some people.

Calories burned: 400–700 calories per hour

Tip: Play your favorite music, set a timer for 20 minutes, and just move.

11. Hiking

Hiking provides excellent benefits to your legs as well as your heart and lungs. The exercise intensity increases when you walk uphill or wear a backpack because your body burns additional calories.

Calories burned: 400–600 calories per hour

Tip: Try weekend hikes in your local area. Bring water and wear good shoes.

12. Jump Squats

This is like a normal squat, but with a jump added. It makes your legs strong and burns calories quickly.

Calories burned: 400–600 calories per hour (in short bursts)

Tip: Do 10 jump squats, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat for 10 rounds.

How Many Calories Will You Burn?

The exact number depends on:

  • Your body weight
  • Your speed or intensity
  • How long you do the exercise

For example, a heavier person will burn more calories doing the same move than a lighter person. But don’t worry about exact numbers. Focus on moving and feeling good.

Quick Combo Workout (Try This!)

Want to mix it up? Try this easy 15-minute calorie-burning workout:

  • 1 minute – Jump rope or jumping jacks
  • 30 seconds – Rest
  • 1 minute – Burpees
  • 30 seconds – Rest
  • 1 minute – Jump squats
  • 30 seconds – Rest
  • 1 minute – Mountain climbers
  • 30 seconds – Rest
  • 1 minute – Push-ups
  • 30 seconds – Rest
  • 1 minute – Dance or run in place
  • 30 seconds – Rest
  • 1 minute – Plank hold

Repeat this 2–3 times per week for fast results.

Final Tips to Burn More Calories

  • Move more every day. Walk instead of driving when possible.
  • Drink water. It helps you stay active longer.
  • Sleep well. Your body burns calories better with rest.
  • Eat smart. Fuel your body with good food—not junk.
  • Have fun! Pick exercises you enjoy so you stick with them.

Final Thoughts

You do not need any gym membership or special equipment to do workout. The only thing you need to do is move your body purposefully. The 12 exercises listed above require minimal effort at the start, but can be very powerful if done regularly. Choose 2-3 exercises from this list, do them a few times every week, and you’re sure to feel stronger, lighter, and full of energy in a short span. It’s time to take action! So get started today and have fun while getting fit.

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