AT EASTER TIME, unhealthy temptations are everywhere you look. Chocolate eggs, bunnies and hot cross buns fill supermarket shelves. And that’s before we even get to the big day. The weekend of indulgence is capped off with a grand finale in the form of an Easter lunch that will typically test the limits of your stomach, in all likelihood exceeding its capacity. Of course, it feels good on the day – it always does – but it all quickly adds up.
Research suggests Australians will find themselves close to their heaviest around Easter. With Aussies typically consuming an extra 500 calories per day over the long weekend, which equates to about 0.5kg of weight gain after four days. On Easter Sunday alone, the average person takes in a mammoth 3000 calories, a stark increase from the usual daily intake of 1500-2000.
But hold on, do we really eat that much more around Easter? To the health-conscious eye or calorie counting soul, that number must seem stratospheric. But it is accurate, and it’s easy to see where the extra calories come from when you take everything into consideration. With a more than healthy helping of alcoholic beverages and jumbo-sized lunches, topped off with sugary deserts and endless sweet treats to pick at, it’s not difficult to see where the surplus comes from.
Let’s face it, gaining a few extra kilos around Easter is almost inevitable. When letting your hair down over the break, clean eating and staying active can quickly take a back seat. Although challenging, the good news is that maintaining your fitness goals is still achievable – but you’ve got to work for it. We’ve rounded up the eight best forms of exercise to help you burn off – and keep off – the Easter weight. Keep in mind that results will vary based on your age, weight and pre-existing fitness levels.
Running for 45 minutes
Hop on a treadmill or take to your local park. At a brisk pace of 9.7km/h, you’ll be able to burn off 500 calories in about 45 minutes.
Walking for 90 minutes
If you prefer a more leisurely approach to fitness, have a go at walking those calories off. A relaxed 5.6km/h pace for 90 minutes will do the trick. That is a lengthy walk though, so try heading offroad or set out on an incline, that will decrease the time to about 60 minutes.
Rowing for 45 minutes
Whether it’s on a machine or in a boat, rowing is a great way to burn calories quickly. With a single high intensity 45-minute session, you’ll be able to shed 500 calories.
Swimming for 1 hour
Swimming is one of the best exercises to target your full body. An hour of freestyle swimming, in a pool or in the ocean, will be enough to reach your calorie loss target – and you’ll be feeling the burn from your shoulders to your calves.
Skipping for 20 minutes
A surprisingly efficient way of burning calories is the simple act of jumping rope. A single high-intensity 20-minute session will do the job.
Cycling for 50 minutes
It’s time to hop on the old bike and get peddling. Just under an hour of cycling will have your calves pumping the calories on the ropes.
Hit the gym for 75 minutes
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, or the most efficient method of burning calories, lifting weights can still get the job done, with the obvious added benefit of getting a superb pump going. Pumping iron will burn 500 calories in just over an hour, but you can shorten that time by minimising breaks between sets.
Boxing for 45 minutes
Get your gloves on! Simply put, boxing is a powerhouse when it comes to burning calories. Moderate to high-intensity boxing for 45 minutes is all you need, while it’s also a terrific way to relieve stress and anxiety.
Related:
Can you actually burn fat and gain muscle at the same time?
25 exercises and principles to help you lose belly fat (and fat from everywhere else)
