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Articles 20 Jul 2026

11 Exercises for Weight Loss and the Best Time to Do Them

Maintaining an ideal weight is not only about looking your best but also about supporting your long-term health. If you're working toward your weight-loss goals, making exercise a regular habit is one of the most effective ways to get there.

In this article, you'll discover effective exercises for shedding excess weight, along with the ideal time and duration for each workout. Let's dive into the guide below and help your fitness journey deliver the results you're aiming for!

ALSO READ: 11 Light Exercise Ideas for Beginners and All Ages

Effective Exercises for Weight Loss

Reducing your calorie intake alone isn't enough to achieve a healthy body proportion. Pairing a balanced diet with regular physical activity helps maximize calorie burn while preserving muscle mass. Here are some exercises you can easily add to your daily routine.

1. Walking

Walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises for weight loss. This low-impact activity is incredibly convenient because it requires no special equipment.

A brisk 30-minute walk can burn approximately 167 calories. The faster your walking pace, the more calories you'll burn.

2. Running or Jogging

If you're already comfortable with brisk walking, try increasing the intensity by running or jogging. This cardio workout can burn between 240 and 400 calories in just 30 minutes while helping reduce visceral fat around the abdomen. Be sure to wear comfortable athletic shoes to minimize the risk of injury.

3. Stair Climbing

If you work in a multi-story building or have stairs at home, climbing up and down the stairs is an excellent way to burn extra calories. Don't underestimate this exercise, as doing it for 30 minutes a day can burn up to 300 calories, depending on your pace and intensity.

4. Jump Rope

Jump rope, or skipping, can be just as effective as running. Depending on your pace and intensity, this activity can burn 128 to 421 calories in just 30 minutes. If you're a beginner, start with five-minute sessions and gradually increase the duration.

5. Yoga

Yoga is more than just a relaxation practice; it can also support your weight-loss journey. A 30-minute yoga session can burn up to 150 calories. Practicing yoga regularly may also help control your appetite, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.

6. Pilates

Pilates may look similar to yoga, but it focuses more on strengthening your core muscles. A beginner-level 30-minute Pilates session can burn around 108 calories, while more advanced workouts can burn up to 170 calories. This activity is also popular because it can help improve posture and increase muscle flexibility.

7. Swimming

If you have joint discomfort, swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for weight loss. A 30-minute swim can burn between 200 and 400 calories, depending on the stroke you use. Besides supporting weight loss, swimming also improves breathing capacity and promotes lung health.

8. Cycling

Whether you ride outdoors or use a stationary bike indoors, cycling is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Pedaling for 30 minutes can burn approximately 250 to 400 calories. It also helps improve insulin sensitivity and supports heart health.

9. Aerobics

Aerobic exercise doesn't have to feel repetitive. Working out to upbeat music makes it both fun and effective. A typical aerobics session can burn between 400 and 600 calories. The energetic music not only keeps you motivated but can also boost your mood.

10. Zumba

Similar to aerobics, Zumba combines energetic choreography with an entertaining workout experience. This group fitness activity can burn between 300 and 900 calories during a 30-minute session. Its lively routines make it a great option if you're looking for a workout that never feels boring.

11. Weight Training

Weight training at home or in the gym is another excellent way to reduce body fat while building muscle. A 30-minute workout can burn between 90 and 180 calories. As your muscle mass increases, your body becomes more efficient at burning calories throughout the day.

The Best Time to Exercise for Weight Loss

After deciding which type of exercise suits you best, you may be wondering the best time to do it. To maximize the benefits, consider exercising either in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Morning workouts help kick-start your metabolism early in the day and support weight management. Meanwhile, exercising in the late afternoon can be an excellent way to relieve stress after a busy day. Most importantly, stay consistent by aiming for a total of about 30 minutes of exercise each day, or at least 150 minutes per week.

Tips to Help You Reach Your Weight-Loss Goals

Besides exercising regularly, it's equally important to maintain other healthy lifestyle habits to maximize your weight-loss results. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

  • Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night to support your workout performance.
  • Eat more plant-based and lean animal protein while limiting your intake of added sugars.
  • Manage stress effectively, as it can trigger hunger-related hormones.
  • Choose exercises you enjoy and vary your workouts to stay motivated and avoid boredom.
  • Don't push yourself too hard. Prioritize consistency over intensity.

If you have certain health conditions or specific weight loss goals, consult a doctor, nutritionist, or certified fitness trainer before starting your program to ensure it suits your needs and physical condition.

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Stay Active and Achieve a Healthy Weight with MSIG Indonesia

Now you know several effective weight-loss exercises you can do in the morning or late afternoon. Which ones are you most excited to try? Although these activities aren't considered extreme sports, every form of exercise carries some risk of injury or accidents, such as sprains or muscle cramps. That's why having the right insurance protection is a smart decision.

Sport Insurance from MSIG Indonesia is designed to provide protection for those embracing a more active lifestyle. With this protection, you can enjoy your activities with greater peace of mind, as it offers benefits to help cover medical treatment and recovery expenses arising from risks covered under the policy.

With premiums starting from IDR 95,000, you can easily purchase your policy online anytime and anywhere. Start your journey toward a healthier lifestyle with confidence and peace of mind with MSIG Indonesia.

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