Hate Running But Want to Get Fit? Here are Some Other Cardio Options!
Spring is near, and with it may come renewed inspiration for getting fit. Warmer weather means more opportunity for exercise… But if you’re like me and you really don’t enjoy running, you may be at a loss for how to shed those winter pounds and get healthy and fit!
Running dominates the “get fit” industry. Maybe it’s because it’s so easily accessible and requires so little equipment to start. All you need is feet, shoes, and space. But don’t worry… If you’ve tried it and don’t enjoy it, you aren’t alone! The good news is that there are plenty of other cardio options you can use to get fit… In some cases, even quicker than running! PIck one that works for you, or try mixing and matching so you don’t get bored. That’s the beauty of cardio… You can get results doing something that you actually enjoy!
Cycling
Cycling is a superb choice of cardio. You can do steady-state cardio or get in a HIIT workout equally as easily, plus, it’s an excellent way to build some serious leg muscle. You have a couple of choices here. One, get a real bike and take it out on the road. This will give you a good workout, you’ll be able to see beautiful scenery, and you’ll get a good core workout as you balance yourself on the bike. Or two, get a stationary bike. You’ll be able to pedal harder and really get those intense HIIT workouts in, plus you can exercise at any time of day or night. Or, you can do the best of both worlds. Get a bike, and mount it on an indoor trainer. That way, you get all the benefits of an indoor bike but you can still get out in nature if you feel like it! The downside is that you’ll most likely need to invest in some pricey equipment here: a bike that fits you properly, a trainer, and possibly cycling-specific shoes. The bright side? It burns a ton of calories, builds more muscle than running, and it’s fun!
Elliptical
The elliptical is a great choice. It’s a whole lot more low-impact than running, plus you get quite a bit more arm engagement than you do with running. The machine is also usually fairly compact, so it fits into most spaces much more easily than a treadmill. You don’t need an expensive one, either. As long as it has a decent number of resistance levels, a variety of built-in programs to choose from, and the right stride length for you, you should be good to go. It could be worth choosing one with an incline option, but they’re hard to find at lower prices. The moving handles allow you to get a good upper body workout as well as a leg workout. You can burn around the same amount of calories on the elliptical as you can running!
Hate Running But Want to Get Fit? Here are Some Other Cardio Options!
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is another excellent and super fun way to get your cardio in. All you need is a rope! We recommend a weighted rope (CrossRope is our top choice), because it burns more calories and also gives you a bit of a muscular workout at the same time. Jump on a thin rubber mat if you can, to minimize impact. You might only be able to jump for 10 minutes or so in the beginning, but it doesn’t take long to build up your endurance! Work your way up to 30 minutes. You can burn 300 to 400 calories in 30 minutes of skipping, so it’s great for losing weight. It’s also easy to switch between steady-state and HIIT. Plus, there are a ton of tricks to try—crisscrosses, double-unders, and side swipes, to name a few!
Rowing
Rowing is another great way to burn calories and build muscle. If you want to invest in your own rowing machine, it’ll set you back some cash. But you may be able to find one at the gym. The key to rowing effectively is your form. Get it wrong, and you’ll be at risk of injury. But get it right, and you can strip fat and build muscle quickly. Your back and legs will strengthen, and your cardiovascular endurance will skyrocket.
Zumba
Dancing is another great way to do cardio! It might seem more like just fun, but you can turn it into a legitimate cardio option by doing something like Zumba or similar types of classes. They mix upbeat music with dance moves in order to burn calories and get fitter. It’s a very fun way of getting fit, especially if you already enjoy dancing. Chances are high that there’s a Zumba class near you! Or, you can opt for YouTube to begin, until you’re confident enough to go to a group class.
Boxing
Boxing requires skill, but it’s also amazing cardio… If you do it right! Upfront, you need to know that it’s an incredibly taxing workout. But it’ll also help you get lean and muscular super fast. You can start off with some basics at home and learn the ins and outs online. But the best way to learn is to join a class or go for lessons with a coach. Joining a boxing class is highly recommended, because you’ll be able to learn the right techniques from someone with a ton of experience. You need to be serious about boxing as a form of cardio if you choose it. You’ll need to invest in some equipment if you want to practice at home, but you’ll also need to be coached by someone who knows what they’re doing. If you keep going at home without the proper technique, you’ll be at risk of injury. On the other hand, if you get a coach, you’ll see results probably faster than anything else on this list.
Final Thoughts
A large part of getting fit is doing something you actually enjoy. Trying to force yourself to run when you really don’t like it isn’t worth it… Even if you do manage to push through, eventually you’re going to run out of motivation for it. Does anything on this list catch your eye? Is there something else you prefer? Find the cardio exercise you really enjoy, or do a combination of them to prevent boredom. Either way, it’s 100 times easier to lose weight and get fit when you’re actually having fun. Whatever you choose, stay consistent, give it 8 to 12 weeks, and eat healthy, and you’ll see results.Good luck smashing your fitness goals this Spring!
WRITTEN BY
Share This Story
DISCLAIMER: We always aim to credit the original source of every image we include in our content. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please get in touch at marketing@cohorted.co.uk.