8 popular activities improve fitness

The summer is winding down, but it’s not too late to get outside with friends and family and get fit.  The American Council on Exercise recently released a list of eight activities “for the average American, who does not have a personal trainer on standby or daily healthy meals cooked by a professional chef ” to burn calories and shape up.

ACE suggests that you try these activities on your own or with the entire family.

1. Off Road Hiking – burns 6.0 calories per minute
2. Bike Riding – burns 7.3 calories per minute
3. Jogging – burns 12.4 calories per minute
4. Jumping rope  -  12.7 calories per minute
5. Swimming – 10.3 calories per minute
6. Inline skating – 7.9 calories per minute
7. Dancing – 3.7 calories per minute
8. Yoga -3.2 calories per minute

Of course the number of calories burned depends on a number of factors including gender and weight.  To get more information about this list visit Acefitness.org. And remember that diet matters too! Check out  the exercise cost of a Dairy Queen treat to get the low down on the actual calorie count of some of their popular desserts.