Get a Great Cardio Workout with These 5 Running Alternatives

Running is probably the most popular form of cardiovascular exercise, yet for many people the concept of running is a dreaded one, it can be fun at times, especially when you go with someone else, but if you don´t have anybody to go with then take you little one. If you think it´s impossible to take your baby on a jog, then visit the baby stroller center to see that it´s not. It is time-consuming, monotonous, and can be extremely rough on the body, leading to a number of overuse injuries. There has been a tremendous amount of research that supports the fact that running is not all it’s cracked up to be. One study done by the Moses Cone Family Medicine Center in North Carolina found that as many as 50% of runners get injured every year with common injuries including shin splints, knee pain, Achilles tendinitis, and iliotibial band syndrome. Another study found that running is associated with lowered testosterone and the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can be detrimental to building muscle – a goal that many people are looking to achieve. Fortunately, whether you despise running or are physically unable to do it, there are other options to get the cardiovascular benefits of running without having to lace up and hit the pavement. Here are five alternatives to running to get your heart pumping.

Hop on a Bike

Whether in the gym, around your town or in a class, riding a bike can be a great low impact alternative to running and provide an amazing lower-body workout. The intensity of a bike ride can be varied with interval sprints or hill climbs to constantly challenge yourself and burn more calories, some people also use this as an advantage for transportation, so they can exercise and get to places at the same time, they also use scooters that are easy to take with you.

Battle ropes are commonly used as a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) tool to develop an athlete’s power, explosiveness, as well as their anaerobic and aerobic endurance. They provide a functional, versatile, low-impact and extremely fun workout that can be done practically anywhere with enough space and an anchor point.

Swing a Bell

Kettlebells are all the rage these days and for good reason. Scientists at University of Wisconsin conducted a study analyzing the calories burnt from the kettlebell swing, and the results were astonishing. The results of the study, which was funded by The American Council on Exercise, confirmed that the kettlebell delivered superior fat loss to all other methods of cardiovascular exercise.

Paddle

Whether rowing or stand-up paddling, there are few types of cardiovascular workouts that also train the core. Paddling will get you breathing heavy, burning hundreds of calories and place an incredible demand on the core like no other method of cardiovascular exercise out there. It is also an extremely fun and active activity to do on a nice day with friends or on a date.

Jump in the Pool

Aqua jogging or swimming laps are great low-impact forms of cardiovascular exercise that engage the entire body and completely take the impact off the joints. The benefits are countless and include improved aerobic endurance, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Swimming is a great way to exercise vigorously without the same risk of overuse injuries that are prevalent among runners.

References