Tips For Performing Cardio Without Running
By Emily Taggart

There are many different reasons why you may be interested in
performing cardio workouts that do not include running, with
joint pain and a general hate for cardio topping the list for
most people. Whether you physically can't withstand the pressure
that running places on your body or have a real dislike for
running in general, you have tons of options for burning
calories that don't include lacing up the sneakers and pounding
pavement.

Low-Tension Machinery

Your first option would be to purchase or otherwise gain access
to some variety of workout machinery. Many people who can't
stand running can get into a walk on the treadmill or a ride on
a spin bike, especially when it is done in their own home with
the distraction of some good music or a television.

If your biggest concern with running is the stress on your
joints, then consider low-tension machinery such as an
elliptical or recumbent bike. If your pain is more severe, you
would likely be better off with a recumbent bike, but you can do
arm lifts with dumbbells to make the workout more intense. You
may also be able to do adjust the tension on the bike to create
a more demanding yet completely joint safe workout.

Dancing

This has to be at the top of the list for cardio alternatives
whether you love to run or not. You can dance anywhere, anytime
and can make it as intense or gentle as you want it to be. Your
movements can be wild and intense so you burn hundreds of
calories per session or you can dance around in a calmer manner
that delivers a more conservative calorie burn.

Dancing will also help relieve stress and leave you in a much
happier mood!

Swimming

Many people who hate exercise in general can deal with swimming
laps or taking a water aerobics class. If you have severe lower
body pain or problems with bending your leg joints you can swim
with your legs out behind you, pulling your lower body through
the pool with your upper body.

If you have limitations of movement with your upper body, you
can prop your chest and upper body on the side wall and kick
your legs out behind you to get in some form of a workout.

For those with more severe pain or physical limitations, just
getting in the pool and keeping your body moving can be a form
of cardio that helps keep you healthy and helps control weight.

Interval Training

If your problem is just that you hate running or have a general
distaste for cardio workouts, consider doing a variety of
strength movements mixed with some non-running cardio bursts.
You will virtually be performing strength building movements
with 30-60 seconds of cardio movement thrown in to elevate your
heart rate and burn more calories.

Some non-running cardio movements that can be added include:

* Step-ups on a small platform or exercise step.

* Knee lifts.

* Jumping jacks (if necessary, step legs out and in rather than
jumping)

* Fast punches (squat down, punch out in front of you with
control)

Whatever your reasons are for not wanting to run, it is no
excuse to become sedentary or continue to live a sedentary
lifestyle! Just find a way to get your body moving, even if it's
just strapping on a $5 pedometer and vowing to walk 5,000 steps
a day.

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