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Cardio workouts

Cardio is any exercise that gets your heartbeat up, your blood flowing, and helps you lose weight.

Spending about thirty minutes a day getting some type of cardio workouts in 3-4 days a week is very helpful when trying to stay healthy and fit. And running is a very typical way to get your cardio workouts in!

But that doesn’t mean that it is meant for everyone.

Many people don’t like or actually say that they hate running. Some find it too extreme, others find it boring, and many find it difficult because of the impact and harm it seems to cause.

When we go for a run, we are constantly placing pressure on our joints. This can have us feeling like we aren’t helping our bodies out too much but instead, we are doing more harm than good.

That is why I have gathered multiple cardio workouts that are different than running or can be done without it.

And personally…

I hate running.

Okay, maybe not hate… but I really dislike it!

This is me sucking it up and laughing through the pain.

But really, I know so many people that say they hate running.

For me, it seems to be hard, painful, uncomfortable and even sometimes gives me a flashback to gym class.

I am no runner.

But the best part is, is that there are alternative ways to do cardio workouts without the high-impact that comes with running. And these cardio workouts can be practiced pretty much any place at any time.

Learn Everything To Know About Weight Training Vs. Cardio

HIIT Workout

HIIT stands for “High Intensity-Interval Training”. It is a type of workout that includes a burst of intense exercise and then switches to a less intense exercise or complete rest. HIIT is one of the cardio workouts that are short in time but high in intensity.

By creating a quick HIIT workout routine and then doing that over and over for about 15-20 minutes, you will have definitely burned some calories. And the best part is, you will lose fat without losing any muscle.

A HIIT workout routine that I created for myself because I hate running is:

5 burpees, 10 push-ups, 15 lunges (each side), 20 sit-ups, 25 squats, 30-second plank.

One minute of slow walking and then one minute of complete rest.

I recommend repeating this routine at least three times or until you reach 20 minutes for a total HIIT workout.

Biking

Whether you choose to ride a stationary bike in the gym or take an adventure outdoors on a trail. Biking is a wonderful option to burn a large number of calories while also strengthening your endurance.

It also tones your leg muscles like your hips and thighs. And is known to decrease stress levels.

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Elliptical

If you hate running, take some time to hit the elliptical. I can assure you that you will be making a great choice!

This is one of the best options if you still want to do a similar movement to running but need to be careful with your joints. The types of equipment are built to be easy on the knees, ankles, and other joints. Elliptical machines can take away the pain and worries of many, since they hate running.

Burpees

Man, these can be a killer but I always feel great after I complete them. I think it is just because of how much work it requires the body to do. Burpees use absolutely everything in your body, targeting multiple muscle areas all at once.

If you are not familiar with a burpee, it is a movement broken down into steps. You start in a squat, then you move to plank, if possible you do a push-up, then immediately return to the squat position and finish up with a jump and standing up straight. Here is a video to explain and demonstrate better.

These can be pretty difficult as a beginner, but after getting the form down, you can use burpees as one of the alternatives.

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Swimming

Taking on 30 minutes of swim and trying to make 20 of those minutes dedicated to fast-paced laps can be another way of getting in your cardio workouts.

So, dive on in and take a swim while your heart rate goes up and the impact on your body goes down. All of this is happening while your burning an extreme amount of calories and working just about every muscle in your body.

Plus, who doesn’t love being a mermaid?

Jumping Jacks

This way of getting your cardio workouts for the day is so simple. Not only can elementary school students do them but you can literally take on this exercise anywhere. You don’t need any equipment at all and the jumping jacks are working both, your upper and lower body muscles.

Jumping jacks are a quick way to burn overall fat and lots of calories.

If you are wanting to make these more intense, you can always add Ankle and Wrist Weights!

I love that they are so easy to use and adjustable depending on the exercise and personal comfort. I love adding an extra challenge in every once in awhile too!

Beach Volleyball

Living my life here in Florida, I know that beach volleyball is a huge HIT!

With all the running in the sand, jumping, and even diving, you will burn several hundred calories in an hour! And I love that you can play volleyball without even thinking of it as a workout. It is a sport that I always seem to join in on when I’m near a net, so you should try it too!

Plus, the view is gorgeous! What could be better?

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Jump Rope

It’s time to channel the inner youth and bring out the rope to start jumping again.

Since I kinda hate running, I have been incorporating some jump roping into my cardio workouts and fitness routine. Not only, does it burn calories quickly, but it also improves your endurance if you practice for a long period of time. Boxers are known to use jump roping as one of their warm-up exercises, it helps them maintain their power throughout their fights.

And I love that it is so portable. You are able to start exercising with this speed jump rope practically anywhere.

Climb Some Stairs

Although you may avoid the stairs at times and just head straight to the elevator. I challenge you to take the stairs when it is just a few flights. It may seem tempting to skip the stairs but each time you take the stairs, you are increasing how many calories you burn for that day.

I also love that stairs have so many options.
It might sound crazy because they are just stairs…but think about it.

You can climb the stairs to lead you to your next adventure or just use the Stairmaster in the gym. Adding a weighted vest can crank up the intensity of your cardio workouts on the stairs, shredding even more muscle and pounds.

And, if you are down to trying something new. Walking up the stairs sideways, down backward, or even on all fours (to get your upper body involved) is always a fun challenge.

Just remember to use your full leg muscles. Rather than just pushing off with your toes, use your heels!

Weighted Circuits

By using weights such as kettlebells, a medicine ball, and dumbbells you can get a mix of both weight training and cardio workouts.

Lifting weights can take a lot of energy, but imagine doing it non-stop? Yeah, your heart rate will definitely rise without any breaks. By completing as many rounds as possible, you will be getting one of the best cardio workouts in!

Kettlebells are best for explosive movements like swings, which can increase your heart rate and strength.

Medicine balls work very well for rotation and movement types of exercises. They can be used to work every muscle group of your body.

Dumbbells tend to be the easiest and can be used with many basic movements. I recommend sticking to the dumbbells if you are a beginner or don’t have much prior experience with a trainer or other equipment.

You can also just use your bodyweight and still get a successful set of cardio workouts in. Without any equipment, you can alternate workouts such as push-ups, jump squats, and mountain climbers. I suggest doing this for 10-15 minutes straight taking as few breaks as possible. The main point here is to break a sweat and to complete as many rounds as you can.

Dance

This is by far my favorite way to get my cardio workouts in for the day. I literally always have a blast dancing because it can be so energizing, exciting, and can be done with lots of people involved. It is also very good for your heart and body coordination. And you can make up whatever moves that you want!

Dancing uses different muscle groups and targets more than your legs. It also includes different high and low impact movements, allowing you to go as much as your joints can handle.

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Thankful For Alternatives

Those were just some of the cardio workouts that you can try if you are like me and hate running.

I am so thankful that we have other options because I don’t know how I could just stick to running.

Thanks for reading through this post. Hopefully, you found something on here that you can use. If you have any questions share them with me in the comments below.

And don’t forget to follow me on my Instagram to learn more about me and to watch short workout clips that I post over time.

Do you have a preferred routine already? Or would you like to try out my 30 Day Fitness Challenge? It is FREE! If so, grab it here.

What is your favorite way of getting your cardio workouts in?

Do you hate running or is it just that you want to try something new?

Share below in the comments!

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Remember... no matter what challenges you face,
Take it 1 Day At A Time.