Flair Magazine Let’s face it, running is not for everyone. You have those who swear by it, and those who are constantly facing issues with it. Whether you hate it or are just unable to do it, this list will give you some cardio workouts that won’t induce immediate physical and emotional pain.
Jump Rope
The simplest in the bunch and definitely the most underrated. Search jumping rope for weight loss online and you’ll find hundreds upon hundreds of success stories. No wonder as it’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to get your heart rate up. It’s also super convenient, as it’s one of those rare at home workout items that are cheap and easy to attain. Why break the bank with an expensive treadmill when you can get a jump rope instead, for an easier, quicker, more fulfilling workout.
Rowing
This is a relatively new machine in the gym world, but definitely a popular one. While running has you working out your legs to get your heart rate up, rowing works your entire upper body. This machine will not only build endurance, but it will also help build the upper body of your dreams. It’s a great tool especially for those who are unable to use their legs in a workout.
Elliptical
If your knees or ankles hurt consistently as you run, then the elliptical may be for you. The most similar to running, the elliptical has the added benefit of creating the running motion without the banging of your feet onto the ground. It also works your upper body, turning what would be the swinging arm motion in running into a push and pull movement.
Swimming
Swimming burns a lot of calories. It’s one of the more fun, more relaxing ways to get your heart rate up. Simply swimming laps in a pool for an hour will burn off 600 calories. It’s definitely less sweaty than every other option and the best for those with back and leg injuries. In fact, swimming is sometimes used to help relieve back pain. Let’s also not forget that swimmers build up a ton of endurance, meaning that if you swim, taking the stairs will be a breeze.
HIIT
It’s more than cardio, it’s a full body workout. You can burn a bunch of calories in just 15 minutes by following any online High Intensity Interval Training, aka HIIT routine. They usually consist of a mix of movements that get your heart rate up. From Jumping Jacks to Burpees, HIIT is here to kill and make you sweat, but only for 15 minutes.
Cycling
Whether it is on a real bike or in a gym, cycling is the best for people who just hate running. And the workout world has noticed providing ever-so-popular spin classes. It can be low intensity or high intensity. Low intensity workouts are especially lovely as you can watch a show or read a book as you pedal. It’s truly the easiest form of cardio out of the bunch.
Stair Climber
Most of us just want to do cardio so we don’t look silly gasping for air at the top of the stairs. Well now there’s a machine to practice just that. The stair climber is a machine where you literally climb an endless amount of stairs. It has a mention here as it is a crazy good way to shape up and get your heart rate up while also boosting endurance.
Aerobics
An aerobics class is not only fun, but it will also exhaust you. Dancing doesn’t seem so bad until after the class is over and you feel the wave of tiredness hit you. It’s the sneakiest form of cardio in the sense that your having so much fun that you don’t notice how hard you’re working until you stop. A class with others will also get you motivated to keep going, knowing you’re not in this cardio journey alone.
Nour Ibrahim
