Some people really enjoy running. Not everyone wants to be a runner, though; it’s high-impact cardiovascular exercise, which is not exactly friendly to those who suffer from joint or bone related issues. It’s also completely reasonable to not enjoy jogging on a treadmill. That’s why gyms exist: to offer multiple avenues to achieving your fitness goals, your way.

Getting in better shape doesn’t require hopping on a treadmill. Sometimes, running can even be detrimental to your fitness goals. There are plenty of alternate means to get your heart rate up at the gym. Everyone has different ideals for fitness and whether you’re looking to bulk muscle or slim down, no one’s path to realizing their ambitions is the same.

So, what can you do?

Cycle_Class_at_a_Gym

  • Bike- Spin class, Recumbent bike, stationary bike, or just a foray with a mountain bike. Pedaling allows you to work harder on toning your lower body (upper body too if you’re standing) while doing just as much cardio, if not more, than a normal run.
  • Rope Trainer- It may conjure memories of P.E. class, but a rope trainer is a good way to get pump out some cardio using your upper body. Using a rope trainer to climb or descend allows you to tone your upper body and still get your heart rate up.
  • Tabata- Developed by Dr. Izumi Tabata, the program of exercise he named after himself is capable of giving you a full, high-intensity workout in 20-30 minutes. Tabata is best enjoyed in a class, and involves performing routines very quickly for 20 seconds and then resting for 10 seconds before repeating, typically performing eight sets for each exercise (you can check out our blog on Tabata here).
  • Rowing Machines- Though popularized by Frank Underwood in the past few years, rowing is an exercise that has kept men and women in shape for thousands of years. If renting a boat and driving to a body of water seems like a pretty ineffective way to start a workout, try rowing on one of our machines.

WaterRower_Rowing_Simulator

You can also try out an arc trainer, Stairmaster, an elliptical machine or any of the other cardio equipment available in our gym.  You can stretch sore muscles and avoid future injuries by following up your cardio workout with some of our yoga classes in South Jersey.