There are many benefits that come from running as well as some risks. I won't go into them here but if you do a quick search, you will find plenty of articles listing the good and bad of running. However, for the most part, I think running's benefits outweigh the downsides. Yet, there are some people who loathe it and others who love it but can't do it anymore or as often due to injuries. Where ever you stand on the subject, it is still good to know what some exercise alternatives to running can include.
If you want to continue to get in a good cardio workout, consider the list below for some cool running alternatives:
- Brisk walking
- Skating (roller blading)
- Elliptical machine
- Swimming
- Rowing machine
- Hiking
- Spin classes
- Stationary bike
- Bike riding
- Treadmill (high incline at a slow pace)
- Jumping rope
- Circuit training
How about you? What are your alternatives to running?
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I really like the jumping rope and bike riding. What about lunges? I know that they are a solid exercise that builds muscle.
I walk everyday but also use the stationary bike.
Use an iPod and before you know it 30 minutes have gone by on the bike
Peter
FitnessOver50
The elliptical machine and the treadmill are my two favorites. With those machines you never have an excuse not to work out because of the weather. I’m planning to by a bike this spring as well.
Rahim Samuel
Publisher, Wellnessbymanymeans.com
I occasionally jump rope or swing a kettlebell, but the majority of my cardiovascular specific exercise is walking. I get more than enough heart healthy, fat burning exercise from doing intense weight training. My other favorite is playing basketball, football, soccer or any active games with my kids. I’m not a fan of running.
Probably the best alternative to running is an elliptical trainer. It mimics the movement of running, but without the impact. There are some workouts on Holosfitness.com that go in more detail on what I’m talking about. Personally, I can’t run more than one or two days per week, so I try to mix it up with workouts I find on Holosfitness.com.
I’m not a fan of jogging. it tends to leave me with very sore knees the next day, especially in winter. Instead I’ll usually go for a swim in the pool or use an elliptical trainer at the gym.
No impact = no sore knees.
Thank you for this article. I run a no-running boot camp in Austin. We do plenty of other exercises like battling ropes and kettlebells to get the same benefits without the risks caused by the repetitive trauma. Like you, I’m not entirely against running, but I believe there are many other ways to get the benefits.
Good article! My alternative is sometimes adding supersets to the training, increasing intensity dramatically, short breaks between series (only like 10-15 seconds). Effective fat burning alternative..
When I hurt my knee playing football, I fell in love with swimming and bike riding. It took the pressure off of it and I did not have to sacrifice any of my exercise for rehabilitation. But now that I’m back 100% healthy, I love love love running! Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy other forms of cardiovascular activity, but running for me is the best.
Those are some great ideas!
I use different body-weight exercises that involves many muscles muscles – full boy movements. You get a great workout and strengthen your whole body.
I personally love running but my favourite alternatives are rowing and circuit training. More recently been getting into boxing pad work… seriously high intensity!
Very nice article, let me share my story. I used to be very fit and athlete, but with the passage of time I became lazy and developed a habit of eating and sleeping along with no exercise. Which deposited around 25 – 30 Kilo of fat into my stomach, face, legs and all over my body? Everyday when I looked in the mirror I had thought today I will start exercising, which was clearly a false promising to myself, again with the passage of time I realized now enough is enough I have to do something to get rid of this fat. So I stepped on to the thread mill and started running 40 Minutes everyday at 9 Miles per hour. Right after finishing a marathon every day I then take the free weight and start building my shoulders and biceps, chest and etc. 3 Days continues exercise and 2 days rest which continued over the period of 3 months and I have now lost 22 Kilo of fat and I have started to look young and energetic once again. I recommend everyone who is facing the same symptoms of fatness try to get fit, it is really easy and not difficult at all. Thank you
I used to run but don’t anymore because my goals have shifted. Nonetheless, I think that if you enjoy running, and take care of your knees it can be great for you.
if you are going to run though, make sure that you have proper shoes!! I am going to put a post on this very soon on my blog BOYLANSBLOG.COM/
Please check it out and comment:)
I always have hated running, but increasing my speed and duration on the treadmill has become a good, fun challenge for me to increase my cardio workouts recently. Maybe I’m on my way to becoming a runner despite myself!
Mini Trampoline…I used to bounce/run on one every morning. I even took it on the road to hotel rooms across the country.
Nice post,
I am all about the getting peoples mind and body in shape through the martial way. Great padworkouts and bodyweight exercises with great intensity.
i have been using the gazelle and walking – when you are heavier, running is definitely out of the question. i am older and heavier
so i gazelle
I always do some cycling while I read, if not I always play football. It’s probably the best cardio you can ever get! Hell of a work out!
i recently started doing 2 min rounds of swinging a 36 pound kettlebell with 2 minutes rest between. 4 – 5 sets. Its high intensity, for 2 minutes i do several variations, mostly 2 arm swing but i work on single arm swing, press and snatches. Can’t wait for warmer weather so i can do guerillacardio sprinting workout.
Dancing around with my kids!
kettle bell training is an awesome workout. i use that with my boxing training