Exercising isn’t for everyone, and getting in the necessary cardio you need to be fit and healthy can seem like a challenging task. Who hasn’t gotten bored of the treadmill or running the same pathway each day? Humans might be habitual by nature, but they’re also easily bored. As much as running is highly beneficial to your fitness routine, it’s not the only cardio option for you. We’ve gathered a variety of alternative workouts that will provide the cardio exercise you need without even going running!
Benefits of a Cardio Workout
There is a myriad of benefits that one can make use of when it comes to cardio workouts. Once you practice it regularly and include it within your exercise routine, you’ll notice the physical benefits it beholds.
It helps maintain heart health, build endurance, increase blood flow to your muscles and organs, as well as building strength. It also enables you to sleep well at night and relax. Including cardio within your workout also helps prevent any possible injuries if you exercise regularly.
Here are alternative cardio options you can start doing:
Indoor Cycling
You can achieve your daily cardio at home or at your gym without even stepping a foot on a treadmill! Consider finding the right equipment for cardio at home by checking online reviews on guides regarding stationary bikes. They’ll be the perfect cardio workout, especially if you’re too lazy to leave your home or the weather isn’t encouraging enough. Stationary bikes are one of the most sought out machines, and they come in a variety of workout purposes; you can get a spin bike and work on those legs and glutes, or you can get recumbent bikes, air bikes, or upright bikes that will definitely trim any excess fat.
Swimming
Swimming is often underestimated and forgotten about when it comes to getting in some cardio within your workout routine. It’s actually one of the best exercises as it engages your whole body and muscles; it’s also the perfect choice for low-impact cardio to prevent injury or if you’re suffering from an existing injury. It’s often recommended for people with joint or knee issues. It can also be an intense workout if you’re looking to achieve that glorious swimmer’s body; it allows for the muscle building in your back, arms, and legs, without harshly affecting your joints. Not to mention, it’s the perfect sport for the summer!
Circuit Training
This form of exercise is ideal for busy people who don’t want to spend a lot of time at the gym. It allows you to get the necessary dose of cardio in a short span of time. You’ll perfectly break a sweat and burn those calories in a matter of 15-20 minutes with minimal rest in between. The way it works is that it’s a combination of aerobic-like exercises and strength training ones. It has a huge chance of burning fat, and it spikes your heart rate up, so you’ll be doing weightlifting, planks, leg lifts, sit-ups, squats, and burpees, as to many others.
Rowing
Rowing can be done two ways: Either you row outdoors or indoors. Outdoor rowing involves the necessary rowing boat gear, and it’s ideal if you live close to a lake. Not only will you get your muscles moving and heart rate up, but you’ll also get to enjoy the fresh air. On the other hand, indoor rowing involves a machine that you can find at your local gym or consider getting one for your home. Generally, rowing machines give you a full and well-balanced body workout that targets your glutes, hamstrings, quads, back, and biceps. You can utilize this workout by doing it through high-intensity intervals for one minute, then resting another. Doing it for 10-15 minutes will be the right amount of cardio you need.
Kickboxing
Believe it or not, kickboxing is a cardio workout and not just one for self-defense and strength. You don’t need to become a professional boxer and step into a ring; consider taking up a kickboxing class to pump up your heart rate and staying in shape. You’ll be able to practice a variety of kicks, jumps, punches, as well as shuffling movements. This allows you to train your core muscles as well as your upper and lower body ones.
Rope Jumping
Often overlooked as a workout technique, it’s actually pretty effective when included in your fitness routine. It’s very easy to do, and it’s a low-impact cardio exercise; it can be done anywhere, whether you’re at home, at the gym, or at a park. All you need is enough space to swing the rope around without injuring those around you. Getting in a 10-minute daily workout routine can be as effective as a 30-minute running routine. Once you get the hang of this routine, you can incorporate different movements like hopping from side to side or switching around your feet with each swing.
Stair-climbing
Admit it. We all hate climbing a bunch of stairs. However, it’s actually one of the most effective cardio workouts that will excessively burn a ton of calories. It’s so beneficial that they’ve created stair machines and equipment that you can find at your local gym. Stair-climbing, whether you use a machine or climb a bunch of building stairs, can be used as part of your circuit training or a high-intensity interval training. It strengthens your heart and trains your core muscles. It also works your hamstrings, calves, quads, and glutes, making them stronger and more in shape.
Dance/Aerobics
There’s a reason why dance classes are very popular among many people. Be it Zumba or any dance/aerobics classes; they’re amazing when it comes to getting in your needed cardio training. Many of these classes are fat-burning and toning, and they will increase your heart rate, work on a bunch of muscle groups, and allow you a chance to stay in shape. They’re fun to participate in and will definitely enhance your mood.
Exercising, in general, is the ultimate way to lead a healthier lifestyle, and one thing you need to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have to be boring at all. Exercise can be fun and can be done anywhere, as long as you’re getting the right amount of cardio, you’ll be able to see the right results.
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