The Best Exercises For Weight Loss

“Animal movements utilize your body weight to move you through space,” Lutterloh says.

Bear crawls, crab walks, and frog jumps work your back, shoulders, core, arms, and glute muscles. For someone who has knee issues, an ape animal movement is a good modification for the frog jump.

Pull-ups utilize all the muscles in the body, especially in the core, back, and arms. And by utilizing the entire body, you'll burn more fat. Don't be discouraged if you can't do a pull-up in the beginning — even assisted ones can help burn calories.

What you'll need: Pure Fitness Multi-Purpose Doorway Pull-Up Bar ($20, Walmart)

This particular exercise not only helps burn fat, but it also helps improve mobility, stability, and strength. It requires a kettlebell but you can start with regular weights until you nail the proper form.

What you'll need: CAP Barbell Tone Fitness Vinyl Kettlebell ($6, Walmart)

Running is probably one of the best exercises for weight loss if you have healthy hips, knees, and back. Lutterloh suggests running outside rather than on a treadmill, because you'll use more muscles to push yourself forward. You also want to be running — or walking — for at least 20 minutes every day.

For an extra challenge, try running uphill. This helps you develop stronger legs, and engages your abdominals more than if you ran on a flat surface.

What you'll need: Ravenna 9 Running Shoe ($80, Nordstrom)

Swimming is a non-weight barring exercise, which is perfect for people who suffer from painful joints. It's also good resistance-training because you are pushing against the water in order to move. The more you push, the more weight you lose.

What you'll need: Nike Solid Silicone Swim Cap ($10, Macy's)

If you want to include weights, deadlifts work the whole body, but mainly engages lower body muscles.

What you'll need: Escalade Sports US Weight 100 lbs. Traditional Weight Set ($50, Walmart)

A push-up is another exercise that really engages your core and legs. Luckily, there are modifications for those who may not be able to do them from the get-go. Modified push-ups can be done from your knees or from your feet as you push off a wall or table. As you get stronger, you can use objects that are closer to the ground until you can push yourself off the floor.