There are so many people who find running quite boring, some who start feeling pain in their joints, and mostly people who just simply don’t like it. But they have to run, as they think that it’s the only way to take care of their heart. But it’s not. Yes, there are some other fun and effective cardio workouts that help people burn calories, stay healthy, and feel amazing—without even running a single step.
Hence, if you’re looking for any other cardio exercises that are different, interesting, and super easy on your body, then here we are. In this article, we’re presenting 6 best cardio exercises except running, and honestly, they’re so much fun and helpful.
1. Jumping Rope
Remember skipping rope as a child? It’s not just a playground activity; it’s also a super helpful cardio exercise. And for this, what you’ll need is a rope and some space, and you can just start jumping on your way to better health.
In just 15 minutes, you can burn as many calories as a 30-minute run. And it’s not only about burning calories; it also helps you in maintaining balance, coordination, and timing as well. Additionally, it’s an exercise you can do anywhere, whether at home or in your garden, wherever you want.
Why it’s great:
- Instantly burns a lot of calories
- Perfect for coordination and balance
- Doesn’t take too much space
Quick tip:
If you’re a beginner, start slowly. Ensure that your jumping rope is of the right length, and do take breaks whenever you feel so.
2. Cycling
Cycling is an amazing cardio exercise, whether it’s a stationary bike at your home or a ride through the street or garden. It’s very gentle and polite on your knees, especially when we compare it with running, and it’s best for you if you want to increase your heart rate without hurting your joints or knees.
Also, cycling times your legs, develops stamina, and provides you a good amount of fresh and healthy air while riding outside. And you know what the next part is? You can select your pace—riding fast and sweaty or enjoying a calm cruise.
Why it’s great:
- Easy on your knees.
- Tone your legs.
- Works both indoors and outdoors.
Quick tip:
Combining things by doing mini bursts of quick pedaling, followed by gradual recovery. It’ll also help in burning more fat and also build endurance.
3. Swimming
Swimming just works like magic on your body. It works each and every muscle and also provides you a perfect cardio workout—and all this while being super polite towards your body. If you’re suffering from joint pain or just looking for a low-impact workout, then swimming is perfect for you.
It helps in improving your strength, breathing, and stamina as well. Even just treading water for 15 minutes can provide you with a good workout session. Additionally, it feels super refreshing, especially during the hot season.
Why it’s great:
- Works your complete body.
- Perfect for those who are suffering from joint pain.
- Helps in improving your breath and stamina
Quick tip:
Practice laps in various strokes, like freestyle and breaststroke, and take mini breaks to maintain and enhance your energy.
4. Dancing
It’s completely false that workouts are boring. Dancing is one of the best ways to do cardio. Just play your favorite music, and start moving your body. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dancer or not; what you have to do is just enjoy your dance.
You can go for Zumba, hip-hop, or simply freestyle in your house. By this, you’re burning calories in your body, improving your balance, and boosting up your mood. It feels more like a party or disco than a workout—and honestly, this is the best way of doing a cardio workout.
Why it’s great:
- So much fun and energizing
- Helps in burning calories without feeling any burden
- Best for your confidence as well as your mood
Quick tip:
Try following dance exercises from YouTube or join in a dance class if you’re looking for more motivation and structure.
5. Rowing
If you’re looking for a cardio exercise that does work on building up your strength, then rowing is the top choice. You might think that it’s only concerned with your arms, but rowing also works on your legs, core, back, and arms as well. And it’s also low impact; hence, it’s very gentle on your body and still gives you a powerful workout session benefit.
Whether you’re rowing a workout machine in the gym or getting on the water, you’ll get a full-body exercise. Rowing also helps with endurance, strength, and even working on your posture.
Why it’s great:
- Works on your complete body.
- Collab cardio with strength
- Versatile and also low-impact
Quick tip:
Target on form—drive with your legs, and follow from your core and arms to protect yourself from strain and get the most benefit from your workout.
6. Kickboxing
Feeling pressurized? Kickboxing is not just a good cardio workout but also a stress reliever and self-confidence booster. Here you punch, kick, and move your entire body while increasing your heart rate and developing muscle.
Kickboxing also improves your reflex action, core strength, and energy level as well. Even just a 30-minute workout session can burn a lot of calories, and you’ll also feel powerful after completing your session.
Why it’s great:
- High energy
- Perfect for building strength and burning calories
- Reduces stress
Quick tip:
Begin with learning the basic moves like cross, hook, and kick. You’ll be able to find numerous videos for beginners on social media platforms.
Final thoughts
Cardio is not supposed to be only about running mile after mile. If you’re not a running person, that’s completely fine—there are many other ways to keep yourself active and heart healthy. Whether it’s dancing, jumping rope, or swimming in the pool, the motive is to find an exercise you actually enjoy.
These above-discussed workouts actually help you a lot in burning calories, improving fitness, and feeling better both mentally and physically. And when you start enjoying your workouts, you’re more likely to stay consistent with them. So begin with trying a few of these, see what you’re enjoying the most, and have fun with that.
