Rowing
If you haven’t used your gym’s rowing machine, you’re missing out on one of the best pieces of cardio and strength equipment. Working your quads, glutes, hamstrings, core, arms, and back, you get a total-body workout that’ll have you pouring sweat. Contrary to what most people think, the power of rowing mostly comes from your legs—not your arms. Engaging your quads and glutes, you drive your legs back to pull the handle toward your chest.
“Rowing is a great weight-loss tool because it incorporates the best out of the cardio and strength worlds, with a focus on pulling and opening up the hips and shoulders. At the same time, you’re working your heart and lungs,” Ryan says. Because many people have desk jobs, our backs tend to be rounded. Rowing helps correct this by opening your spine, hips, and shoulders, Ryan says.
TRY a 15-minute rowing routine: Start with a 5-minute warm up, rowing at a slow, consistent pace. Then move up to a moderate pace (about 22 strokes per minute) for 5 minutes. End the workout with a 5-minute cool down.
Burpees
If you are able to perform high-intensity exercises (and jump), then burpees are a great movement to add to your routine. “Burpees are a great way to burn calories, shed fat, and help in building muscle,” White explains. “More specifically, burpees are great for burning belly fat and high-intensity moves such as burpees can also burn up to 50% more fat than conventional strength training.” Plus, it’s an efficient full-body workout that requires no equipment and will help improve cardiovascular health while aiding in weight loss, White adds.
To perform a burpee, begin by standing upright with your hands above your head. Next, jump up with your hands still above you. Then, you’ll drop down to the ground into a plank position (challenge yourself by adding a push-up).
TRY a work and rest routine. White recommends performing 10-15 repetitions for three to four sets, with a small rest in between sets to catch your breath.