5 Cardio Ideas For People Who Hate Doing Cardio

Cardio isn’t everyone’s favorite and it can be a real struggle to get on the treadmill and hit your goal each week. But there’s good news! There are ways to get your cardio in without spending hours on the elliptical in the gym. We’ve pulled together our favorite non-treadmill cardio workouts that will still get you the results you want. The key to seeing real progress is a combination of both weights and cardio, so use these ideas to keep your 3 cardio sessions fresh and fun!

EMOMs

EMOM stands for Every Minute on the Minute. This completely customizable routine is the perfect way to add some full-body cardio moves in without much planning. Not only can you challenge yourself with an EMOM, but you can also get creative with a range of movements focusing on different muscle groups. Learn more about EMOMs and try our favorite 20-minute routine here.

HIKING

Getting outside and taking in the fresh air is a great way to get your heart rate up without even realizing it! If you’re on vacation, hikes are a fun activity that will get your body moving while exploring a new place. In addition to the physical benefits of hiking like increased endurance (which can give you an edge during your strength-training workouts!), hiking has tons of mental benefits, like boosting your mood.

GRAB A FRIEND

There’s no better motivation for working out than doing it with a friend! If you’re the type of person who drags their feet when it comes to cardio, enlisting your BFF as an accountability partner may be the motivation you need. Whether it’s going for a run outside or strapping on a pair of rollerblades in the park, having someone to push you will keep you on track.

CYCLING

With indoor options available year-round, getting your heart rate up on a bike is a no-brainer. If you like to get your workouts in at home, Peloton is a great option for cardio with hundreds of classes in their library. For the ultimate motivation, grab a friend and try a SoulCycle class. Don’t have one near you? Many local gyms offer spin classes that will give you the same endorphin rush!

TEAM SPORTS

Chances are your city has some fun rec leagues available that you can join. With sports like kickball, volleyball, and softball, not only are you able to get your cardio in but you’ll meet some new people at the same time. Teamwork helps to boost confidence, and also helps to give you the accountability to show up and not let your team down. Plus, it gives you a break from adulting. And let’s be real, we can all use that!

If you’re someone who dreads getting in your 3 days of cardio, don’t panic. There are plenty of other ways to get your heart rate up without having to be stuck on the treadmill. From cycling and team sports to hiking and EMOMs, with a little creativity, you’ll be a cardio lover in no time!