15 Summer Activities That Burn the Most Calories

Rock climbing

Indoor or outdoor, this summer activity packs some serious punch. For the average woman (all the calorie counts are for a middle-aged, 150-pound woman; your mileage may vary), the benefit is 790 calories burned in an hour-long session. With gravity working against you, you’re working some serious muscles. The main muscle group used for rock climbing is the latissimus dorsi, the broadest back muscle, says Tricia Somma, CPT with a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science from Montclair State University in Exercise Science. “In addition, the biceps, forearm flexors, calves and soleus muscles are also used.” For those afraid of heights, consider bouldering or indoor climbing. Similar to the vertical outdoor sport, climbers move horizontally across a rock or gym wall, with gymnastics mats beneath them.