What are some weightlifting exercises that burn the most calories?

When it comes to weightlifting, not only can you build strength and muscle, but you can also burn a significant amount of calories. If you're looking to maximize your calorie burn during weightlifting workouts, there are several exercises that can help you achieve your goals.

1. Squats: Squats are a compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. They also require a lot of energy, making them an excellent choice for calorie burning. To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, and then return to the starting position.

2. Deadlifts: Deadlifts are another compound exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including your back, glutes, and hamstrings. They are known for their calorie-burning potential due to the amount of effort required to lift the weight off the ground. To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet hip-width apart, bend your knees, and lower your torso while keeping your back straight. Grab the barbell with an overhand grip, lift it off the ground by extending your hips and knees, and then lower it back down.

3. Clean and Jerk: The clean and jerk is an Olympic weightlifting exercise that involves lifting a barbell from the ground to overhead in two distinct movements. It targets multiple muscle groups, including your legs, back, shoulders, and arms. The explosive nature of this exercise requires a significant amount of energy, making it a great calorie burner. To perform a clean and jerk, start with the barbell on the ground, explosively lift it to your shoulders, and then push it overhead.

4. Kettlebell Swings: Kettlebell swings are a dynamic exercise that targets your hips, glutes, and hamstrings. They involve swinging a kettlebell between your legs and then thrusting your hips forward to propel the kettlebell to shoulder height. This explosive movement requires a lot of energy and can help you burn a significant amount of calories.

5. Burpees: While not a traditional weightlifting exercise, burpees are a full-body movement that can be incorporated into your weightlifting routine. They involve squatting down, kicking your feet back into a push-up position, performing a push-up, jumping your feet back to the squat position, and then jumping explosively into the air. Burpees engage multiple muscle groups and elevate your heart rate, resulting in a high calorie burn.

Remember, the number of calories burned during weightlifting exercises can vary depending on factors such as your weight, intensity, and duration of the workout. To maximize your calorie burn, focus on performing these exercises with proper form and gradually increasing the weight and intensity over time. Incorporating these calorie-burning exercises into your weightlifting routine can help you achieve your fitness goals and boost your overall calorie expenditure.

Dan Cartwright

strength training, nutrition, coaching, powerlifting

Dan Cartwright, a seasoned personal trainer and ex-competitive weightlifter, brings over a decade and a half of experience to the table in the realm of fitness. With a deep-seated passion for weightlifting and a dedication to aiding others in meeting their fitness goals, Dan has successfully guided countless clients towards their personal victories. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of strength training fuels his commitment to imparting his extensive knowledge to the Club Lifted community.