The Top 10 calorie-burning activities

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Sep 19th 2007 11:08AM

Categories: Fitness

The Mayo Clinic has posted a list of the activities that burn the most calories in an hour. What do you think tops the list? Running is the number one calorie burner, which should not come as a surprise to anyone who runs on a regular basis. What are some other great workouts?

Aerobic Dancing: 416-533 cals
Backpacking: 448-574 cals
Biking: 512-574 cals
Jogging: 512-656 cals
Racquetball: 448-574 cals
Rope Jumping: 640-820 cals
Running: 864-1107cals
Skiing, Cross-country: 512-656 cals
Swimming: 384-492 cals
Tennis: 448-574 cals

Most of these aren't surprising, but I didn't know aerobic dance was such an effective exercise. What about you?

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Comments (22)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Adam 9-19-2007 @ 12:25PM

They need to put soccer up there...it's only the best sport in the world... :-)

Andy 9-19-2007 @ 6:58PM

soccer, what about football? Play one game, and lose about 20 pounds.

Anyways... What about sex? An hour in the sack is the best workout I can think of... Not to mention the most fun

Crabby McSlacker 9-19-2007 @ 6:46PM

I don't suppose walking to the refrigerator every ten minutes to see if anything new magically appeared there was on the list?

Ah well, running it is then, (Actually, with my crappy knees, it's race-walking, which I think burns extra calories just from the sheer embarrassment factor of swinging those hips and pumping those arms).

(My silly health blog is at: http://crankyfitness.blogspot.com/)

Judy 9-19-2007 @ 6:47PM

I don't know about all those activities, but I bet I burned more calories cleaning my daughters carpets all day Monday helping her get ready for her new baby who is due any minute now. And I accomplished something useful.

Anymous 9-19-2007 @ 6:47PM

I am currently running XC in high school and though I love i it is one of the hardest things I have ever dine. But I encourage EVERYONE to run it is one of the best feelings in the world.

duane 9-19-2007 @ 7:50PM

Sex is a great way to maintain weight loss and stay in shape. 1 to 3 lbs. for every orgasim. if I don't slow down I'll soon be dead.

speedcoach 9-19-2007 @ 7:59PM

This is a misleading report (IMHO). Running is the competitive form of jogging, yet the Mayo Clinic chose not to include the competitive forms of other sports like cycling, inline skating, and mountain climbing (the competitive or more intensive form of backpacking). The goal should be to get people moving in a fitness direction, not to get them moving in a direction. It would be interesting to see who funded this study ....

Why not look into getting MORE sports into our school system like cycling and skating teams which can lead to school age children competing in these sports and losing weight instead of sitting in front of the TV playing video games. IMHO, these studies should compare apples to apples; recreation sports and activities to recreation sports and activities, not recreation to competitive. This would give a more accurate picture and perhaps get more people interested and willing to try other sports. Cycling and skating just happen to be easier on the joints as well, while supplying great aerobic activity.

marcie 9-21-2007 @ 12:01AM

If Duane is right, then I must weigh in the negative column right now.

Sign me

Bowlegged Peg

Kaleigh 9-25-2007 @ 6:30AM

I play soccer. 2 practices and 1 game a week. does that count as calorie burning?

Bernadette 9-27-2007 @ 7:29PM

Some don't see running as any form of jogging. Running is based on individual health, perception and desire. Whether willing or able to move the body very quickly. The movement required is not the same as for jogging. It is safe to say that competitive jogging is not yet known to exist. So also safe to say running recreationally does happen all the time as well as running competitively. Running when measured against anothers time and distance should be considered to be more of a sport than. An individual can challenge themselves physically with many other activities, but should look at what they actually enjoy doing first. If competitve by nature might want to try the more considered competitive sports. I think that it is wise to keep moving too. Hats off to those willing and able! If you don't move it you will lose it!

Hannah 9-26-2007 @ 7:09AM

They should seriously add ballet to that. My friend takes ballet and she's the skinnest thing in the world, but she eats a lot. So yeah

haley 9-24-2007 @ 5:25PM

well basketball and soccer should be up there its none stop runnig and multitasking

Hope 9-24-2007 @ 6:17PM

Ok, so sports burn calories....what about horse related sports such as equestrian, hunting, racing, cutting, cross-country, endurance for gods sake ! I believe that these sports, especially endurance will really keep you in shape, for, it is a challenge you and the horse endure through to reach a specific goal. Well not even that, try just doing some basic barn chores I guarantee you that you will certainly loose at least 3 lbs. and stay in shape if you continue !!!
In any case, jump on a horse and unlock a whole new world to yourself, try it, I'd never want to get off.

alex 9-24-2007 @ 6:23PM

It really doesn't come as a surprise that running is up there. IT IS HARD WORK. I'm pouring buckets if I have to run for half an hour. The trick is to wear layers and run as constant as you can. And soccer does require alot of skill and is also the most popular.

kb 9-24-2007 @ 6:34PM

ummm all the above are true, but seriously, try gymnastics. like, competitive, higher level gymnastics. you literally use just about every single muscle in your body. i guess its more anaerobic though, because its a lot of doing skills and resting between turns, but it still burns a hell of a lot of calories and show me someone who is in better shape then a level 9, competitive gymnast. =]

oh and i agree about the horse related stuff. its so much work just to take care of your horse, let alone all the muscle and control riding takes.

Orchidork1124 9-24-2007 @ 7:51PM

I love all you people who say you that Football and soccer should be on there. But nobody has said Marching Band yet. It's been calculated Marchers use more energy in fifteen minutes than a football player can in one game. Football is stop and go, marching is not. Soccer has less stopping and going but marching has none. When a marcher isn't moving the heart rate is still flying, for a marching performance the heart rate goes up and stays up. Unlike in football or soccer

Brymaba 9-24-2007 @ 10:25PM

soccer definitely burns more than jogging. It is probably the best sport to burn calories and it is easier to do it than running
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/LIVING01/709040319/1007/LIVING

Bryan 9-24-2007 @ 10:22PM

soccer is the best sport to burn calories. It also has many more benefits. Check out the article:http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/LIVING01/709040319/1007/LIVING

Jennie 9-24-2007 @ 11:39PM

Swimming is definitely up there for burning calories. You can do just 20 laps or swim for a half hour and already you've burned off most of your dinner.

jess 9-25-2007 @ 2:38AM

synchronized swimming. i dont care what anyone says. it is hard. now im not gona say its the hardest..i mean i cant mess with gymnastics..but ive played soccor and baseball..and synchro is so much more of an intense workout. i mean if you do it right--thats the key. if youre just putting on a flowered cap and standing on the bottom of ur pool waving your arms around it wont do much for you..just imagine doing a really hard workout and then take away the breathing part..

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