4 Fantastic Cardio Exercises That Don’t Involve Running

If you want to be fit and healthier, doing cardio is great. And while it (and every form of exercise) has a great benefit, there are just those people who can’t stand running, which is likely the most common and popular form of cardio. If that person is you, you came to the right place. This article will look at 4 great ways to get your cardio fix without running or jogging.

1. Swimming

(source: http://cardinalrec.stanford.edu/)

A personal favorite of mine, swimming is often done for fun or as a hobby, but it is actually a great way to build up your endurance and maintain good cardiovascular health. Also, it is a very important skill to be able to swim in terms of survival, so this activity has a practical benefit on top of just being a way to stay in shape. Also, unlike running, it gives you a completely full body workout as it incorporates your core, arms, legs and more.

2. Elliptical

(source: elle.cz)

This one has been gaining popularity recently and for good reason. This, like swimming in the last entry, works more than just your legs. Your arms get quite the workout too. This stationary piece of exercise equipment that is used to basically simulate walking, running and/or climbing stairs. The biggest benefit to this machine is the fact that it doesn’t cause excessive pressure to the joints which can reduce the potential of injury. And because of this, many people who are injured or have chronic pain can use elliptical without it being terrible for them.

3. Dancing

(source: visitlondon.com)

You may be shocked to find this activity on this list, but it really is one of the best. Whether you are at home, dancing alone to your favorite song, out at the club with friends or actually joining a dance class, dancing is a great workout. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, since it is so fun, it doesn’t even feel like a workout.

4. Rowing

(source: amazon.com)

This is one I have recently been getting into and wow, it has worked me out like never before. I can feel more tired, satisfied and get a better workout on a rowing machine in 10 minutes than I could from a 30 minute run. In addition to strengthening your cardio, this machine will work out an tone a variety of different muscles all over the body. This really is one of the true, full body workouts out there!