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- ExRx: Sprints Burn More Body Fat Than Cardio Training
- Harvard Health Publications: Calories Burned in 30 Minutes for People of Three Different Weights
- Harvard Health Publications: Spending Time Outdoors is Good for You.
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10 Outdoor Activities to Help Lose Weight
Outdoor activities have many advantages when it comes to weight loss. They burn a significant amount of calories and add enjoyment to your life 12. According to Harvard Health, outdoor activities raise your vitamin D levels and boosts your immune system 2. Also, participating in a new activity that includes physical exertion floods your brain with dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals improve your mood, elevate your sense of well being and motivate you to participate again.
Hit the Trails
Hiking is an activity that requires little or no equipment and gets you into the great outdoors. The big advantage to hiking is it naturally spikes the intensity level of your workout which helps you to burn three times the body fat of a flat walk.
Surf the Waves
List of Activities & the Calories Burned
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Ask any avid surfer and they will tell you that surfing is a physically demanding activity. Even if you are a beginner who can barely stand up, you will get the weight loss benefits from paddling out and attempting to stand up on your board. Surfing is not only a great cardiovascular workout, it builds your strength and endurance 1.
- Ask any avid surfer and they will tell you that surfing is a physically demanding activity.
Bike with a Buddy
Road or mountain biking is an effective way to blast calories and lose weight outdoors 2. It's an activity that is enjoyable regardless of your experience level. It also builds muscle in your legs and core. Most metropolitan areas have biking clubs you can join to increase your motivation to hit the road.
- Road or mountain biking is an effective way to blast calories and lose weight outdoors 2.
- Most metropolitan areas have biking clubs you can join to increase your motivation to hit the road.
Grab a Kayak
Calories Burned at a Baseball Batting Cage
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You can kayak in lakes or oceans and in a single kayak or a double kayak with a buddy. Kayak rentals are relatively inexpensive and are a good way to try this activity before you commit to purchasing your own gear. Kayaking works your whole body with an emphasis on your upper body and core.
Climb a Mountain
Rock climbing is a physically demanding sport that works your whole body and even beginners can burn a tremendous amount of calories just trying to complete a climb. It's best to start with indoor climbing to build your skill and stamina and then take your climbs outdoors.
Get Rolling
Inline skating and rollerskating give you a great cardio workout and strengthen your legs and core. Find a long smooth sidewalk nearby for your inline and rollerskating outings and make sure your roller-skates are equipped with outdoor wheels. Skateboarding is a tremendous workout even for beginners. Skateboarding requires a bit more practice and technique but greatly improves your balance.
- Inline skating and rollerskating give you a great cardio workout and strengthen your legs and core.
- Find a long smooth sidewalk nearby for your inline and rollerskating outings and make sure your roller-skates are equipped with outdoor wheels.
Grow Your Own
Give gardening a try and you will be surprised at what a workout it can be. It burns hundreds of calories per hour. Use your time in the garden to grow your own fruits and vegetables. Growing your own food encourages you to eat more fresh, raw produce and elevates your appreciation for food.
- Give gardening a try and you will be surprised at what a workout it can be.
- Use your time in the garden to grow your own fruits and vegetables.
Golf on the Greens
When you walk the course and carry your own bag instead of riding in a golf cart, golfing can provide some serious cardio. In fact, you may find yourself too pooped at hole nine to finish the rest of the course. The rolling hills of a golf course add just the right mixture of intensity to promote weight loss 2.
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Writer Bio
Elisha Ryan has been an NASM certified personal trainer since 1999 and a physical therapist since 2011. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science with a minor in journalism and a master's degree in physical therapy.