Cardio is the devil. Unless you’re the type of person who loves getting on the treadmill or the crosstrainer, you will think the same. If you’re reading this, then you definitely won’t think of cardio as fun. In fact, running up the stairs might be a little bit too much for some people. If you can relate, then you’re going to look for anything that will allow you to get away from cardio, or at least cardio that’s going to keep you moving at a steady pace, rather than struggling for your every breath. There are a few options that we think you could go for. Because while you’re doing the things that we’re going to mention, you will be doing some sort of cardio, just not in the conventional term. You’ll be burning calories and getting your heart pumping, without having to move very quick. So if you keep on reading, we’ll show you a few options both in the gym and out of it!

Outdoors Based

For any of you who feel totally embarrassed going into the gym, there’s plenty you can do by making use of the outdoor space. One we think you’ll like more than running, is cycling. It’s so easy to go with the flow of the road that you’re on. All you need is a bike, a custom designed cycling kit, and a route to follow. This can either be done with a friend, or some of you might prefer to do it in your own company! Either way it’s a super good sport to get into, and great for cardio without really feeling like you’re doing any cardio.

Gym Based

Thankfully for you, you can go to the gym without being one of these people who is sweating more than they have ever done before. You might get a little bit of a sweat of, but it won’t be coupled with the sheer distress of exhaustion that runners have at the gym. Instead, we think you should give weightlifting a go. There’s a big difference between weightlifting and bodybuilding, so if your mind instantly jumps to this buff figure you might create, don’t let it. Weightlifting will allow you to lose weight at the same time as gaining muscle, leaving you with anything from a slim toned figure, to a muscular surface. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but often people find that it’s far easier than cardio, and they feel a lot better after it. Make no mistake, your heart will be racing, and there will be a time or two where you’ll push yourself to the absolute limit. But the results will be worth it in the end as a lot of body confidence can be gained from weightlifting.

You could also try some of the more chilled out classes, such as yoga and pilates. They will still allow you to burn calories, and your weight will go down, but you won’t feel that exhaustion. Both are hard to master, but are great for the discipline of your body!