Photo: Power20method.com
There’s no denying that running or jogging can provide a solid workout in a very short period of time. Which makes it great for those of us on a budgeted schedule (ie everyone). But running can literally kick your ass. Running downhill over time has been proven to be horrible for your knee joints and the general pounding on the body can, again, over time, cause arthritis throughout many of your joints. Mix your workouts. That doesn’t mean running once week is a bad thing. But more than twice a week can start to wreak havoc over an extended period of time. But there are so many workout alternatives to spice things up that give you the same cardio. Here’s three.
Swimming
Got a body of water nearby? The beautiful Mother Ocean just down the road? She’ll provide, especially if the waves are small. How about an outdoor pool you love (preferably of the saltwater variety)? Check for lap swimming times and then try for a nooner. In just 30 minutes using basic freestyle stroke technique, you’ll be spent. Swimming has immeasurable benefits to the human body, not the least of which is a lack of impact and pounding. Plus, have you ever checked out Michael Phelps? Swimming develops and maintains muscle, helps with flexibility and, if you find a stretch of coast with protected coves (see Laguna Beach and its ocean swimming scene) nothing will get you closer to Mother Earth.
Rowing or Cycling
All right, while not as organically cool as swimming in the ocean or an outdoor pool, that rowing machine can do absolute wonders in just 30 minutes. Check out this piece our own Phil White wrote earlier this year. Or try a spin class where the impact is zilch, putting you in a room with other motivated peers. Slap on the headphones, get jiggy with Kanye and do ya thing. Better yet, try both outdoors by contacting your local rowing club or rent a road bike at your local bike shop for a test ride (although road cycling will definitely eat up your time as it takes more than double the time to get the same workout as running). That’s why sprints and intervals at the gym are so good for you.
Dance Anyone?
Okay fellas, give it a try. Dance, especially hip-hop, is a fantastic workout for the entire body. Here’s some math: with the full body motion of getting your funk on, a 125-pound person will burn some six calories per minute. A 150-pound individual will burn eight. Further, dancing works the heart and lungs and generally improves aerobic fitness, improves agility and coordination and can help you manage—or lose—weight. Plus, honestly, it’s just a whole lot of fun. Especially with the right DJ-instructor combinaiton.
