The Top 5 Exercise Finishers for Effective Weight Loss
After completing your main workout, a power finisher is a great way to improve the effectiveness of your workout. Workout finishers are short, high-intensity exercises designed to push your body to its limits and optimize the benefits of your workout. By incorporating these finishers at the end of your routine, you can maximize weight loss and increase your overall fitness results.
Including exercisers is especially valuable because they raise your heart rate and challenge your muscles in new ways. These quick bursts help raise your metabolism even after you’ve left the gym, contributing to greater total calorie expenditure. Additionally, finishers are designed to test your endurance and strength, giving you a heightened sense of accomplishment and an enhanced training experience.
Here you will find five of the most effective workouts that will help you increase your weight loss and reach your fitness goals. By adding these high-intensity finishers to the end of your workout, you’ll not only speed up your weight loss journey but also improve your overall fitness, making every gym session count.
Burpee Blitz
Burpees are a full body exercise that combines strength, cardio and flexibility. This finisher will raise your heart rate and burn calories, making it a top choice for speeding up weight loss.
Directions:
- Do as many burpees as possible in 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start in a standing position.
- Drop into a squat.
- Kick your feet back.
- Perform a pushup.
- Jump back into a squat.
- Explode up in a jump.
Pro tip:
- Focus on explosive power during the jump to maximize calorie burn.
- Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to protect your lower back.
Kettlebell Swing Burnout
Kettlebell swings are a dynamic exercise that targets your glutes, hamstrings and core. This finisher not only increases your heart rate but also builds strength, helping you burn fat faster.
Directions:
- Perform 20 kettlebell swings.
- Rest for 20 seconds.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the kettlebell with both hands between your legs.
- Hinge at your hips and bend your knees slightly.
- Swing the kettlebell forward and keep your arms straight.
- When the kettlebell reaches shoulder height, swing back at the hips.
Pro tip:
- Use your hips to power the movement, not your arms.
- Keep your core tight and back straight to avoid injury.
Sprint intervals
Sprinting is one of the most effective ways to burn fat and improve cardiovascular fitness. This finisher will challenge your endurance and burn away excess calories.
Directions:
- Sprint at maximum effort for 30 seconds.
- Walk or jog for 1 minute to recover.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
Pro tip:
- Focus on powerful, quick strides to increase intensity.
- Maintain proper form by keeping your torso upright and your core engaged.
Battle Rope Fury
Battle ropes provide a full body workout that builds muscle and burns fat at the same time. This finisher will make your arms, shoulders and core work overtime, helping you shed pounds faster.
Directions:
- Perform alternating waves for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Perform rope strokes for 30 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 rounds.
Pro tip:
- Stay low in a squat position to engage your legs and core.
- Move the ropes as fast as possible to maximize calorie burn.
Jump rope finisher
Jumping rope is a simple but very effective way to raise your heart rate and burn calories quickly. This finisher will improve your coordination while helping you lose weight.
Directions:
- Jump rope for 60 seconds.
- Rest for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 8 rounds.
Pro tip:
- Keep your core engaged to maintain balance and control.
- Vary your jumping style, such as alternating between single leg jumps and double unders, to keep the intensity high.
Tyler Read, BSc, CPT
Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 15 years. Read more about Tyler