The 5 Best Weight-Loss Exercises, According to a Trainer

As a trainer, I’ve witnessed many clients struggle with ineffective workout plans that don’t yield long-term results. Weight loss requires consistency, smart exercise choices, and focusing on movements that engage multiple muscle groups. The key is to choose exercises that maximize calorie burn while building functional strength and endurance. So, I’ve rounded up the only five weight-loss exercises I recommend to clients.

The exercises below combine strength and cardio movements designed to torch calories, boost metabolism, and sculpt a leaner physique. Each one emphasizes functionality, helping you move better daily while shedding unwanted weight. These are my go-to recommendations for clients who want to achieve lasting results.

If you’re ready to revamp your fitness routine, these exercises will help you lose weight, build muscle, and feel stronger than ever. They’re effective, adaptable, and simple enough to perform anywhere—whether at home or the gym.

The Exercises

Burpees

This full-body powerhouse combines cardio and strength, making it one of the most effective exercises for weight loss. Burpees engage your core, legs, and upper body while rapidly elevating your heart rate to burn maximum calories.

1. Begin standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Drop into a squat, placing your hands on the floor.
3. Jump your feet back into a plank position, keeping your core tight.
4. Perform a pushup, then jump your feet back toward your hands.
5. Explode upward into a jump, reaching your arms overhead.
6. Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

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Jump Squats

Jump squats are a lower-body exercise that boosts power, builds muscle, and elevates your heart rate. They target the glutes, quads, and hamstrings while increasing calorie burn and improving athleticism.

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower into a squat.
2. Push through your heels and jump explosively upward.
3. Land softly in a squat position, keeping your knees slightly bent.
4. Repeat for 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

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Mountain Climbers

The mountain climber is a core-intensive cardio move that burns calories and strengthens your abs, shoulders, and legs. This exercise is perfect for torching fat while building coordination and agility.

1. Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders.
2. Drive your right knee toward your chest, then quickly switch to the left.
3. Continue alternating legs as quickly as possible, maintaining a strong plank.
4. Perform for 3 sets of 30 seconds.

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Kettlebell Swings

This explosive movement works the glutes, hamstrings, and core while also serving as an effective cardio exercise. Kettlebell swings are great for burning fat and improving overall strength and endurance.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands.
2. Hinge at the hips and swing the kettlebell backward between your legs.
3. Drive your hips forward to propel the kettlebell to shoulder height.
4. Let the kettlebell swing back down with control and repeat.
5. Perform 3 sets of 15-20 swings.

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Pushup to Renegade Row

This hybrid exercise builds upper-body strength while engaging your core and stabilizing muscles. It’s an excellent compound movement that burns calories and improves functional fitness.

1. Start in a plank position with a dumbbell in each hand.
2. Perform a pushup, lowering your chest to the floor.
3. As you return to the plank, row one dumbbell toward your waist, keeping your hips stable.
4. Lower the dumbbell and repeat on the other side.
5. Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps per side.

Tyler Read, BSc, CPT