If you're like me you're probably not a big fan of running — especially on the treadmill — but you know you've got to do the cardiovascular activity, because, well, it's just good for you. Luckily for us, summer's here and there are more than a few cardio alternatives to running that will help you get that heart rate up the right way!
So here's a list of 5 cardio alternatives to running for getting you in shape this summer and never have to step on a treadmill again!
1) Team Sports
Sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball — just to name a few — are great ways to train your cardio resistance. It's also a great way to meet new people and get out of your comfort zone! So, go ahead and start calling some friends and get ready for a weekly match!
2) Swimming
Swimming is probably the best alternative to running, meaning you get all the cardio benefits of a running session —or even more— plus strength training for your upper and lower body. Have you seen a swimmer's back?
Besides, summer's here and it's the best season of the year to make the habit of swimming. I recommend you start with a few drills session once a week and build up from there!
3) Supersets
You could squeeze some aerobic exercise into your daily weight training routine, and although it won't substitute a good cardio session, it's better than doing nothing at all!
Just try doing circuits in supersets. A superset is when you do two or more exercises back to back with little or no rest in between. For cardio and aerobic purposes you should be doing your supersets without ANY rest at all in between. So, let's say you're doing a full body workout, you could superset squats with bench press and leg raises. Believe me, you'll feel like you've been running alright!
4) Kick Boxing
This is what I call aerobic exercise to the core! Boxing should do too, but adding the leg movement is an extra to pump your heart as leg muscles carry lots of blood and forces your heart to go the extra mile!
These sessions could get a bit intense, so make sure to take it at your own pace and drink lots of water!
5) Rope Skipping
This is a really easy way to add some cardio into your workouts, plus, you can do it almost anywhere so you'll be able to enjoy some rope skipping outdoors and get yourself some Vitamin D — make sure you use sunblock! — for the summer!
Is there anything else you enjoy doing for your cardio instead of running? Let me know!
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