As summer approaches, Britons are preparing to hit the gym with renewed enthusiasm. Despite this seasonal surge, less than half of the UK population (48 per cent) exercise regularly, according to recent data.
Summer stands as the most popular season for physical activity, with 45 per cent of people maintaining an active lifestyle during the warmer months. This marks a significant contrast to winter, when a staggering 76 per cent of Britons admit to avoiding exercise altogether. If you do exercise, some workouts will burn more calories than others.
When it comes to staying healthy - and losing weight - exercise is incredibly beneficial.
A randomised controlled study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that even moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes daily can prevent weight gain and lead to some weight loss in overweight adults.
An expert shared going on a treadmill could be the best for burning calories
GETTYGreater exercise intensity and duration resulted in more significant fat loss, especially around the abdomen. The study showed regular physical activity alone, without dietary changes, plays a meaningful role in weight management and reducing central obesity.
For those looking to maximise their workout efficiency, understanding which exercises deliver the best calorie-burning results can be crucial.
With gyms expected to become more crowded in the coming weeks, knowing the most effective workouts could help fitness enthusiasts make the most of their time.
Experts at ZAVA revealed that running on a curved treadmill at 7-7.9mph is the most effective exercise for burning calories. This activity burns an impressive 184 calories for men and 155 for women in just 10 minutes.
Curved treadmills offer superior benefits compared to their flat counterparts. They are self-powered, creating a more natural running experience while increasing calorie burn and muscle engagement in the glutes, hamstrings and calves.
The research shows that maintaining this optimal speed is crucial. Dropping to 4-4.9mph reduces calories burned by an average of 77. The curved treadmill's effectiveness is followed closely by several exercises tied for second place. Skipping, rowing, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and shuttle running all burn 168 calories for men and 142 for women per 10-minute session.
Skipping rope exercises offer a highly efficient workout with minimal equipment needed. This accessible activity not only burns significant calories but also builds muscle, improves endurance and enhances balance and coordination.
Rowing provides a comprehensive full-body workout that improves heart health, muscle strength and posture. Meanwhile, HIIT workouts, which involve short bursts of intense exercise, can increase metabolic rate even after the session ends.
HIIT workouts are great for weight loss GETTY
Male: 184 kcal | Female: 155 kcal
Male: 168 kcal | Female: 142 kcal
Male: 161 kcal | Female: 135 kcal
Male: 150 kcal | Female: 126 kcal
Male: 145 kcal | Female: 122 kcal
Male: 142 kcal | Female: 120 kcal
Male: 138 kcal | Female: 116 kcal
Male: 130 kcal | Female: 109 kcal
Male: 122 kcal | Female: 103 kcal
Beyond calorie burning, these exercises offer additional health benefits. A small 2015 study found that women aged 25 to 50 who skipped twice daily experienced significant improvement in hip bone density after just eight weeks.
HIIT workouts have been shown to increase VO2 max – the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb during exercise – which is an excellent indicator of aerobic capacity.
It's worth noting that some popular exercises rank among the least efficient for calorie burning. Yoga burns just 35 calories for men and 30 for women in 10 minutes, while Pilates burns 43 calories for men and 36 for women.