The most efficient workout trends of 2021 revealed by fitness expert

Workout trends are sure to be more popular than ever this year as the ongoing effects of the pandemic make working out at the gym impossible. With so many people turning to at-home workouts, the quest for the best dumbbells and best resistance bands for women has been consuming all our lives. But whether you’re into high itensity exercise, or prefer to take things a little more gently, it’s often hard to tell how efficient your at-home workouts really are without the guidance of an expert to help you. 

Now we might just have the answer for you as the experts a GolfSupport.com (opens in new tab) have looked into the most efficient workout trends of 2021, with exclusive insight from Elliot Hasoon, Founder of EH Coaching and host of The Simply Fit Podcast (opens in new tab).

Elliot has analyzed the top 10 trendiest workout types of 2021 and calculated exactly how many calories a person can lose after just 30 minutes of working out. The answers might just come as a surprise to those who find their favorite form of exercise isn’t quite as efficient as they thought. 

But for anyone still searching for their ultimate at-home workout trend, here’s all you need to know before you decide if one of these is the one for you! 

What are the most efficient workout trends of 2021? 

1. Indoor Cycling 

Indoor cycling has been revealed as the most efficient workout trend, with an individual weighing 61kg burning approximately 240 calories after 30 minutes of working out, whilst an 84kg individual could burn around 350 calories after 30 minutes of cycling! But why is indoor cycling quite so efficient? 

Elliot Hasoon explains: “It is a fantastic cardio workout that offers a huge amount of variety, you can focus on muscular endurance, strength, speed and vary the intensity based on your experience level. Also helpful for those with knee injuries due to the low impact.”

2. Muay Thai and kettlebell training 

These two workouts both share second place, with an individual weighing 61kg reportedly burning approximately 210, whilst an 84kg individual could burn around 320 calories after 30 minutes of each workout. 

When it comes to the reason why, Elliot reveals that: “Muay Thai is a great way to improve stamina, muscular endurance and coordination, great if you’re looking to lose body fat, build muscle and learn a self-defense discipline."

"A workout with kettlebells is an effective cardio and strength workout that will use the majority of your muscle groups and it’s easy to do in the comfort of your own home,” he shares.

3. Dance workouts 

Perhaps one of the most fun ways to keep fit, dance workouts come in third! Those who enjoy having fun whilst working out can burn around 180 calories, for a 61kg individual or 270 calories for an 84kg individual, for just 30min of exercising, it’s claimed. 

“Dancing is an effective cardio workout that can be varied in intensity to match the experience level of the individual. The enjoyment element is probably the biggest highlight of dance workouts along with the accessibility as it often requires little/no equipment,” Elliot explains.

4. Calisthenics and resistance training 

Coming in joint fourth place are calisthenics and resistance training. But what exactly is calisthenics? It’s a form of training with minimal or no equipment - instead, the person uses their own bodyweight. After just 30 minutes of calisthenics or resistance training a person weighing 61kg can allegedly burn around 130 calories whilst a person weighing 84kg can burn around 200 calories. 

“Calisthenics will help you develop lean muscle/muscular endurance, it can become very challenging the more advanced you get, but is very accessible once again, as it’s all centred around using bodyweight,” Elliot shares.

He goes on to explain that resistance training “will help you build lean muscle and simultaneously burn calories. It’s known that those with more muscle in their body burn more calories than those without. Using short rest periods and compound movements will help increase the calories burnt per session.”

5. Fast-paced walking 

Fast-paced walking is perhaps one of the simplest workouts to do from home and a brisk 30 minute walk around your neighborhood can reportedly help a 61kg person burn around 120 calories, and an 84kg person can burn around 180 calories. 

Elliot describes fast-paced walking as: “Very underrated but probably the easiest place to start, low impact, very easy to regress/progress and little/no equipment needed.”

6. Yoga and barre

Sharing sixth place are yoga and barre and it’s been suggested that a person weighing 61kg could burn approximately 100 calories for 30 minutes of exercise, whilst a person weighing 84kg could burn approximately 160 calories. 

“Yoga will help you improve your mobility and mindfulness due to the focus of breathing and stretching. It’s a great place to start for those new to exercise or who are intimidated by high intensity workouts,” Elliot discloses.

But if you're not tempted to reach for the best yoga mats quite yet, then never fear!

“Barre is a great workout for increased flexibility, muscle tone, with very little injury risk or impact on joints. Can be an effective supplementary workout between your higher intensity sessions,” he explains.

7. Pilates

Pilates comes in last place, with a person weighing 61kg reportedly burning approximately 90 calories for 30 minutes of exercise, whilst a person weighing 84kg burns approximately 150 calories. 

Elliot highlights that: “Pilates is great for those with injury, who want to improve posture and is accessible for both younger and the older generation.”

Will you be giving any of these workout trends a try this year?