5 Non-Running Cardio Workouts

Cardio is one of the best exercises we can perform. Not only does it help promote weight loss and good fitness, but it will also spur the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This protein spills through the brain and helps us generate new neurons and strengthen existing ones. This makes it about as essential as can be in terms of memory and cognitive skills.

This being said, cardio is often translated as running, and not all of us can do that. Whether it’s location, bad knees, or simply self-consciousness, there are many reasons why running just isn’t for us. And that’s ok, because we have options. So what can we do instead? The huffington Post has 5 effective alternatives:

2) Swimming
When you?re looking for a non-running cardio workout that?s easy on your joints, head to the water! Swimming works major muscle groups like your abdominals and glutes while burning a ton of calories. A 155-pound person swimming freestyle for one hour will burn approximately 700 calories swimming at a fast pace and close to 500 calories at a slower pace ? all while the water?s buoyancy takes the strain off your knees.

Swimming gets the whole body working, so much so it’s probably better than running. Swimming also not for you? Don’t worry, there’s still four other options, just head over to the full post and check them out.