Cheap Cardio Alternatives To Running?

megxmas95
megxmas95 Posts: 26
edited February 19 in Fitness and Exercise
When I started my weight loss journey, as a poor gap-year student, running was pretty much my only option. I did couch to 5k, and can now manage to do an extremely slow non-stop 10k run.

The problem is, I reeeeaaaally do not enjoy running. It takes such motivation to go out on even a short run, and when I do, it's such hard going! I find it so boring, and have a dodgy knee that means I can't really push myself in terms of speed all that much. I'm at the point where I'd rather walk for two hours than run for an hour!

I currently go out three times a week, and I'm looking for something to replace it maybe once a week, or once every two weeks, to break up the monotony, and I'm looking for ideas! I'm still a poor gap year student, so can't go to a gym or pay out regularly for a class, as much as I would like to. I don't have a bike, but we do have a cross trainer, skipping rope, and kettle bells at home (although I dislike the cross-trainer more than running!)

I do love dancing, so any dancey-DVD recommendations would also be appreciated! Any ideas at all are welcomed!

Replies

  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    I'm at the point where I'd rather walk for two hours than run for an hour!

    I currently go out three times a week, and I'm looking for something to replace it maybe once a week, or once every two weeks, to break up the monotony, and I'm looking for ideas! I'm still a poor gap year student, so can't go to a gym or pay out regularly for a class, as much as I would like to. I don't have a bike, but we do have a cross trainer, skipping rope, and kettle bells at home (although I dislike the cross-trainer more than running!)

    I do love dancing, so any dancey-DVD recommendations would also be appreciated! Any ideas at all are welcomed!

    Lots of free stuff on the internet (YouTube.com, etc...) for cardio workouts at home. You could indeed go for a nice walk. How about hiking? Why not get a low cost bike? You could buy a used bike for a very low entry price. What about running on singletrack trails that are open for mountain bikes and trail runners alike? It's a much different and more challenging way to run and adds enough spice to make it different than running on pavement. How about swimming? Surely there is a pool at your college/university?

    Mix it up. Walk. Hike. Ride a bike. Swim. Do some YouTube cardio workouts. Run again. Wash, rinse, repeat.
  • sfbaumgarten
    sfbaumgarten Posts: 912 Member
    Running up/down my stairs has my main alternative to running outside. If you're into videos, fitnessblender.com is pretty good.
  • spiralated
    spiralated Posts: 150 Member
    Zumba or jumping rope!
  • lilithsrose
    lilithsrose Posts: 752 Member
    Try doing some of the cardio videos on fitnessblender.com.

    When you go to the main page (www.fitnessblender.com), hit "Find a Workout." Then, click "Search Workouts" in the top right.

    Then you can choose the level, time allowed and type of exercise. There are some really good cardio workouts on there.
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