What is the single best exercise for weight loss?

Daily brisk walking. It is easy to sustain, low-impact, keeps stress hormones down, and adds up to a real calorie burn without wrecking recovery.

Do I need to do cardio to lose weight?

You need a calorie deficit. Cardio helps create it, but strength training preserves muscle so the weight you lose is fat, not tissue.

Give it 4–6 weeks of consistent movement paired with a modest food deficit. The first 2 weeks are mostly water.

strength · dumbbells / box

Single-leg strength that burns calories and mimics hiking.

3 × 10 per leg 10 minrest 60s

Log your sets with a rest timer and one-tap save.

Equipment

dumbbells, box

Rest

60s between sets

Primary muscles

quads, glutes

Also works

hamstrings, cardiovascular

Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Face a knee-high box or bench.
Place your right foot fully on the box.
Drive through the right heel to stand tall on top — don't push off the back leg.
Step down under control. Complete all reps, then switch legs.