6 workouts that burn major calories

6 workouts that burn major calories

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Winter brings a unique time for active people. The ice and snow provide an outdoor gym to actually increase your workouts. There is a heart healthy benefit as you raise your cardio level. Some activities build muscle strength as well.

Outdoor winter activities can provide cardio and strength training. But just being cold could also be beneficial. An article in The Atlantic states that being cold increases your body's metabolic rate.

Here are six activities that you can use to feel the major burn.

Note: The calories burned listed here are based on a 175-pound person from Livestrong.com. The actual number is based on several variables including gender, weight, and intensity level.

Skiing

We get to exercise on the greatest snow on earth and the slopes help with balance, endurance and strength. The same is true for snowboarding.

"The average person burns about 500 calories per hour of skiing or boarding. The more difficult the terrain and the harder you work, the more calories you burn," said Heather Darling, nurse practitioner at the LiVe Well Center at Park City Medical Center.

Cross-Country skiing/snowshoeing

How does burning over 630 calories per hour sound? Take in the scenery of the mountains while being able to work out even harder than the downhill skiers.

"The trails create a harder cardio workout and work more muscles," said Spencer Richards, from Bountiful Sports Medical Center.

There is no need for an expensive resort for cross-country treks. Trails are scattered along the valley and in the mountains for you to utilize.

Skating

Cross-country skiing and ice skating are some of highest calorie burn activities. The number of calories burned while ice skating really varies by how intense you make the workout. You can stroll along or go-for-speed for a more productive cardio workout.

6 workouts that burn major calories

Ice skating can burn around 600 calories with a high-intensity focus. If you want to add some more calories, play hockey.

Sledding

Sledding provides a great reward for the activity. You have to hike up the hill, the steeper the better for you, in order to enjoy the adrenaline rush as you cruise back down. Some resorts have a tow rope to get you back to the top. But bypass the easy option for the hike instead.

Snow tubing activities are worth over 500 calories per hour.

Build a snowman

Just like sledding, fun and exercise can coexist. Playing in the snow helps with cardio and strength as well.

Various counters that measure burned list between 250-350 calories burned per hour.

6 workouts that burn major calories

Snow shoveling

Not all exercises can be fun. Some are necessary. But while you stare at the covered driveway from the window, maybe a little motivation comes from the workout you are about to get.

Snow shoveling builds strength while adding a cardio workout. Shoveling snow burns over 400 calories per hour. You can continue the workout and also do a good deed in the process by helping your neighbor's with their homes.

Take advantage of the season and get the fitness perks. Read more on Intermountain LiVe Well for more tips on living well.

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