For better or for worse, Easter is a time of indulgence. Studies show that the average person gains around half a kilogram over the Easter long weekend. There’s no problem with treating yourself occasionally, but it’s important to get back on track. Here’s eight ways you can burn off those extra Easter calories.
As summer turns to autumn, the temperature begins to cool and deciduous trees lose their leaves, Easter season is in full swing. At this time of year, unhealthy temptations are everywhere you look. Chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies line the shelves at supermarkets, hot cross buns fill the front windows of bakeries, and an old-fashioned roast dinner is once again on the menu. It’s always delicious, but it all quickly adds up.
Research suggests that the average person eats around 500 calories more than their usual daily intake over the Easter long weekend. This equates to a typical weight gain of 0.5kg after four days. That number sounds a bit suspicious; do we really eat that much extra at Easter time? The simple answer is yes. If you consider that a single Cadbury mini egg contains around 50 calories, a chocolate bunny has 900 and a hot cross bun has 250, plus a sizeable Easter Sunday lunch, it’s easy to spot where all the surplus calories come from.
Never fear. With Easter now in our rear-view, it’s time to get back to business and whip yourself back into shape. 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. These activities should also be performed in tandem with a healthy diet.
Running for 45 minutes
Hop on a treadmill or take to your local park and 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 or 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’s a lengthy walk, try heading offroad or on an incline to decrease that 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 some 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 feel the burn from your shoulders to your calves.
Skipping for 20 minutes
A surprisingly efficient way of burning calories is simply 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 get your calves pumping and will have 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 and 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.