Scientists rank best to worst exercises for burning calories

Running is one of the most effective ways to shed pounds, burning up to 1,074 calories an hour. Photo / 123RF

Scientists have ranked nearly 40 exercises in order of calories burned.

Running and skipping are the most effective ways to shed pounds, with both burning at least 861, and up to 1,074, calories after just one hour of activity, research reveals.

Although popular for its calming properties, yoga causes a maximum loss of just 228 calories after an hour workout, the study found, according to Daily Mail.

• Scroll down for the full list

Kayaking, weightlifting and light swimming burn between 400 and 500 calories every 60 minutes, the research adds.

HOW THE RESEARCH WAS CARRIED OUT

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota ranked 39 common exercises based on information obtained from the US National Institutes of Health.

The scientists calculated the number of calories burned if a typically obese or overweight person did such activities for one hour.

Results do not take into account the participant's age, sex or speed of movement.

KEY FINDINGS

The results reveal running at a rate of 8mph and skipping burn at least 861, and up to 1,074, calories for every hour of activity.

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Yoga appears to be the worst exercise for weight loss, causing a maximum loss of just 228 calories after a 60 minute workout.

Slow walking, bowling and ballroom dancing also fail to make people lean, burning a maximum of 255, 273 and 273 calories an hour, respectively.

In the middle of the list, kayaking, weightlifting and light swimming burn between 400 and 500 calories every 60 minutes.