When most of us think about a calorie-torching workout, we think of two words: hard work. We think of activities like jumping, sprinting, bootcamp, and HIIT. On the other hand, people tend to think of gentler, low-impact workouts as “easy” or just “what you do when you’re injured.”
The truth: swimming, rowing, and other easy-on-the-joints activities can be just as sweat-inducing as their more “intense” counterparts. In fact, certain low-impact activities can actually lead you to burn more calories.
Here’s how to get the most burn for you buck with my top 6 low-impact workouts that blast fat.
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Rowing
You’ll use your legs, back, and arms simultaneously while using a rower. It’s important to have good form on this machine (or else it will blow your burn), so make sure to master the flow first. If you need help, don’t be shy about asking the gym staff for help.
What to do: Try rowing 1,000 meters as quickly as you can.
Calories burned in 30 minutes: 200-250
Swimming
There’s a reason we envy all of the swimmer’s bodies come Olympics time. Throw on some goggles and hop in the pool.
What to do: Swim one fast lap, followed by one leisurely lap for a total of 10 sets each.
Calories burned in 30 minutes:300-350
Versa Climber
What is a Versa Climber? It’s maybe the hardest piece of equipment at your gym, and yet it’s still easy on your joints. The Versa Climber mimics climbing a steep mountain or scaling a wall.
What to do: Step on to the machine, and start climbing. If you can last 5 minutes, you’re doing better than most. The key here is to pace yourself and stay on as long as you can. Rest 2 minutes and repeat for 3-5 sets.
Calories Burned in 30 Minutes: 300-350
RELATED: 4 Calorie-Torching Leg and Butt Exercises
Stairmill
The machine we all love to hate. The stairmill is not only a great tool for the health of your heart, but your legs and butt will thank you, too.
What to do: 20 minutes here should do the trick. If you get bored easily, choose one of the pre-set programs to keep it interesting.
Calories Burned in 30 Minutes: 250-300
Kettlebell Class
If you haven’t jumped on the kettlebell bandwagon, now’s the time. This versatile piece of equipment gets your heart rate up, improves strength, and in the process, burns a ton of calories.
What to do: Kettlebell classes are trending right now, with most gyms offering them. You can also try my workout for beginners at home.
Calories Burned in 30 Minutes: 300-350
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TRX
This gym tool is a must. Usually found in the weight room, the TRX handles may look intimidating at first. But mostly that’s because it’s unclear what to do with them unless you’re taking a class or have a personal trainer with you. Here are three basic moves to get you going.
TRX rows
While holding the TRX handles, walk yourself down as far as you’re comfortable with. Keep your hips high and allow your body to hang with your arms straight. While maintaining this position, pull yourself up until your hands are next to your chest. Make sure to keep your body moving as one unit. Lower yourself back down and repeat for 10-12 reps.
Photo: Jennifer Cohen
TRX push-ups
While holding the TRX handles, lean into the TRX with straight arms and hover over your hands, keeping your body at a diagonal angle. Slowly lower your body down and then push yourself back up using your arms and chest. Repeat for 8-10 reps.
Photo: Jennifer Cohen
RELATED: 4 Exercises to Beat a Fitness Plateau
TRX squats
Stand up straight holding the TRX handles. Using the TRX as a counter-balance, squat down as low as you can and then come back up to standing. Repeat for 12-15 reps.
Photo: Jennifer Cohen
Calories burned in 30 Minutes: 200-250
Calorie counts are estimates and were taken from the MyFitnessPal app.
Want to make sure all your hard work pays off? Check out 7 Ways to Keep Your Summer Body in the Fall
Jennifer Cohen is a leading fitness authority, TV personality, entrepreneur and best-selling author of the new book, Strong is the New Skinny. With her signature, straight-talking approach to wellness, Jennifer was the featured trainer on The CW’s Shedding for the Wedding, mentoring the contestants’ to lose hundreds of pounds before their big day, and she appears regularly on NBC’s Today Show, Extra, The Doctors and Good Morning America. Connect with Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, G+ and on Pinterest.
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