For me, running is a love-hate relationship. Sometimes, I can’t wait to get out the door for a run, and other days I’m just not in the mood! Those hard days used to make me feel guilty. I’d drag my feet out the door, force myself to run, give up, skip workouts, and eventually get extremely burnt out with fitness in general.
One day after being so frustrated in my runs, I went for a hike with a friend and was so challenged, and had so much fun! I finally realized that running wasn’t the only way to get fit. Getting fit doesn’t always have to feel like discipline and structure and schedule- it’s okay for it to feel like play too!
In fact, finding workouts you enjoy will keep you motivated, and coming back for more. If you love running, then more power to ya! But if you hate running, or are just struggling to enjoy it- maybe it’s time to find something you do enjoy!
Luckily, there’s plenty of variety to go around when it comes to cardio. Check out just a few of my ideas below.
Zumba
No need to have dance skills or anything. If you’re a dance around your room, sing in the shower type of person this class is perfect for you! Check the class times at a gym near you, or do it from home and look for Youtube videos online.
Circuit Style Training
Circuit workouts are a combination of bodyweight or equipment based exercises, performed one after another with no rest in between. The result is a fast-paced workout that challenges both the cardiovascular system and muscles.
Rowing
Rowing is an awesome cardio exercise that is low-impact and will work your entire body! Be warned, you be sore in ways you didn’t even think possible.
Boxing
Do you love punching and kicking things?! Well great, we found the perfect workout for you. Boxing is awesome because it’s high intensity, a full body workout, it builds confidence, and it burns an insane amount of calories!
Swimming
Maybe you prefer the water to the land! If that’s you there is plenty of great exercise to be found in the pool. The water acts as resistance to your body so your body will have to work as a unit to keep you afloat.
HIIT
HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training is a type of exercise that incorporates both bodyweight exercises, equipment exercises, or cardio in quick bursts of high intensity with short periods of rest in between. Whether interval sprints or bodyweight exercises, you are sure to burn an insane amount of calories!
Hiking
One of my personal favorites. Hiking is a great way to get out in nature, and activate those hamstrings and glutes on all those inclines! Bring a friend along for some conversation, or enjoy some personal time in nature.
Team Sports
Missing your high school glory days, or did you just love playing games in PE class? Well, team sports are perfect for you. There are so many rec teams available in most cities ranging from easy to difficult.
Bonus: If you sign up for a team, you’ll have them to keep you accountable for exercise! If you’re more low key, grab a friend and head to the tennis court or shoot some hoops.
Cycling
Cycling is a great lower impact cardio workout. Either cycle by yourself, or join a cycling class where they’ll teach you proper cycling form, and you can learn how to formulate workouts like the ones that are done in the class that you can challenge yourself with.
If you don’t like any of these ideas, keep searching! I promise there is something out there for you that you enjoy, and you think is fun. You just haven’t found it yet!
What do you like to do to keep your workouts interesting? I would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below.