Eat Too Much Halloween Candy?

Happy Halloween, everyone! I’ve been so busy packing and arranging for my move to Sarasota that I haven’t broken into the Goldberg peanut chews (my fave old-school vegan candy), or celebrated at all really, even though I love Halloween.

My dog, Carly, spent some extra time “trick-or-treating” at her cookie jar though. I figured it might be a good time to re-post part of the “10 Ways to Work Off Halloween Weight” article that I wrote last year, for anyone else who is overindulging (and wants to do something about it, that is.)

Keep in mind that the number of calories you can burn by doing a particular activity varies from calorie calculator to calorie calculator It also depends on other factories, including weight and workout intensity. All the estimates given below are for a 120lb person doing an activity for 30 minutes. The figures are from the Internet Fitness calorie calculator at http://www.internetfitness.com/calculators/calburncalc.htm.)

Step aerobics: If you’re pear shaped, this is may be a great exercise for you. It targets and tones your legs, hips and glutes. Many gyms offer aerobics classes, so you can see how to do the steps properly and have a structured work-out. You can step off 202 calories by doing low impact aerobics, and 288 by doing high impact aerobics.

Biking: You can torch anywhere from 202 to 302 calories, depending on speed and whether you’re using a stationary bike or cycling outdoors.

Swimming: Since swimming involves many body parts, it’s great cross-training for other cardio activities. And because your joints are supported, you don’t have to worry about high-impact injuries. You can dissolve about 173 calories from your body at the swimming pool, but you can curb more (or less) calories depending on the stroke you do.

Racquetball: Playing competitively can sizzle 288 calories off your body while a casual match can cut 202. The side to side sprinting strengthens your legs and gets your heart pumping.

Rock climbing: Rock gyms have become popular in many towns, so you don’t have to trek to the mountains for a good work out (although that may be fun for you adventurous types). You can crumble away 330 calories while you’re ascending and 240 when repelling. This challenging activity builds strength and power in your arms and legs, and since reputable rock gyms provide instructions and safety equipment, there is little chance that you’ll get hurt.

Cross-country skiing: If you want to melt away 240 calories, hit the ski slopes—or a ski machine. The swooshing motions involve both your upper and lower body; the vigorous workout really gets your heart rate soaring.

Running: Sweat away approximately 250 to 500 calories—depending on your speed and if you add hills and sprints—without spending a cent on a gym membership. Your knees and ankles can take a beating though so you may want to invest in quality running shoes.

Elliptical machine:  An elliptical machine with arms is similar to a cross-country ski machine. You can burn hundreds of calories and build endurance without placing excess stress on your joints.

Rowing:  You can build your arm muscles and whittle away approximately 200 to 245 calories without getting wet if you use a rowing machine. If you’re the outdoorsy type, I’ve heard that some cities even have rowing teams. 

Walking: A brisk walk—on a treadmill or around your neighborhood—can burn as many as 170 calories. You’ll shed more calories if you swing your arms and walk on an incline. Consider carrying free weights or wearing wrist weights to help tone your arms and increase the amount of calories you lose.

Of course, there are other ways to work off excess Halloween candy, but these exercises are supposed to be the top 10 calorie-burning cardio activities. You’ll be able to burn off all that candy corn faster than you can say “trick-or-treat!”

Oh, and speaking of Halloween, I did help write an Opposing Views piece pointing out that factory farms are MUCH scarier than haunted houses.  Check it out if you’re interested: http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/opinion-what-s-scarier-than-a-haunted-house-a-factory-farm