Exercises to Try if You Hate Running
Everyone knows they should exercise. This time of year, most people tell themselves, “This is the time, this is when I start.” If you’re like millions of other Americans, you probably pull out the running shoes. After all, running is an effective exercise that improves cardiovascular health, sleep quality, and bone strength while helping to maintain a healthy weight.
It’s also…not for everyone. Especially if you are like some of us and are prone to shin splints. If you love running, that’s great! But if you hate running, you are not alone. So, how do you get fit? Here’s a list of exercises that may be more enjoyable than jogging or running. Remember to consult your physician before starting any new exercise regime.
Walking
Walk like you mean it. Walking is running’s much more approachable sibling. Though it offers many of the same benefits as running such as cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health, weight loss, and muscle endurance, it is much lower impact. Walking also releases endorphins, so this daily exercise can help you feel less stressed.
Walking is perfect for both the introvert and the extrovert. It’s a great solo activity because you can put on your headphones and catch up on audio books or podcasts. But it can also be a social event where you chat with friends while getting in your steps. You can also walk with a purpose by going on scavenger hunts that help engage you in the scenery and/or can help you get to know your area.
If you choose to walk outside, you can reap the mental health benefits of being in nature. But if you choose to walk on a treadmill (or if the weather requires you to choose one), you still get the endorphin boost of exercise, so either way your mood improves. Treadmills can fit in your home gym, but if you don’t have that kind of space, many come with a folding design that can be stored under your bed or in a closet when not in use.
Dancing
If running isn’t your thing, consider tripping the light fantastic. Don’t worry, we’re not recommending anything shady. That’s just an old timey phrase for fancy dancing. This exercise combines music and movement, not only improving your motor fitness, balance, and coordination, but also your mood by increasing serotonin (a happy hormone) and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).
Dancing is an aerobic exercise, so it helps to improve your heart and lung health and cholesterol levels. It may also improve your memory and problem-solving skills as learning and remembering new dance moves will work and strengthen those areas of your brain.
Dancing is one of those exercises that can be done pretty much anywhere. You just need some music and some floor space. You can even build your own home dance studio. However, some may find it more helpful to join a dance class. There are also online tutorials or even video games to help you learn to dance. Dancing also has an extra benefit: It’s really fun.
Yoga
Yoga began in India around 5000 years ago, and has gained popularity around the world. This full body exercise reduces body inflammation, making it great for your heart, balance, posture, and flexibility. Many yoga exercises feature weight-bearing movements that improve bone and joint strength. And, because yoga emphasizes breathing and meditation alongside the physical movements, it is a great way to help reduce stress. Yoga can also help you achieve better sleep, which is good for your overall health.
Like dance, yoga can be done in a studio with friends and teacher, or it can be done at home through the use of online tutorials (however, there are some moves that may be better to try only with a teacher present).
When practicing at home, find a place where you can lay down a yoga mat and have a free range of movement. Yoga blocks and bolster pillows can also help with your daily practice.
Boxing
Though the sweet science may not appeal to everyone, boxing doesn’t always have to involve getting punched. Many people enjoy boxing with a bag, shadowboxing, or doing mittwork. Boxing requires conditioning, so high intensity interval training (HIIT) is common.
HIIT features short bursts of intensive activity to get your heart rate up, followed by less intense recovery periods. This may include boxing drills and brief stints of jogging or another aerobic exercise, so you won’t escape running entirely.However, this helps to improve aerobic fitness, heart health, and blood pressure levels.
Boxing with proper technique also involves the whole body, not just the arms, so you get a full workout. Punching bags and speed bags are perfect for when you are trying to practice at home.
Cycling
Riding a bike isn’t just a childhood pastime. It’s also a great way to exercise! Cycling is great for cardiovascular health, and it improves circulation and strengthens the heart and lungs. Cycling involves low impact movement that helps to improve stamina and joint mobility. It’s also easy to adjust the intensity of your workouts since how fast and hard you go depends entirely on your own movement.
Riding a bike can be a great way to not only exercise, but to get outside, which can give you a mental health boost. And it’s an environmentally friendly way to get around town. Cycling on a stationary bike is ideal if you’re not feeling outdoorsy, and it is often more convenient. You can also join spin classes for a social element.
Swimming
Jumping in the pool is a great way to cool off and to get fit. This low stress, whole body workout builds and tones muscles while increasing heart rate and improving your cardiovascular fitness. Because it is a low impact sport, swimming is often a great choice for people with injuries or mobility issues. It’s also a highly efficient way to burn calories. Plus, swimming can help improve your coordination, balance, and posture.
Not everyone has the room (or the weather) for a pool in their backyard. Most areas have a local gym or a parks and recreation center with affordable access to their pool area so you can keep swimming all year long.
