Running is awesome. It’s a simple, effective form of cardio that offers a whole range of health benefits. It also sucks—depending on who you ask. But if you belong to the camp of people who simply don’t enjoy running, you can still get the benefits of cardio without having to run around the block.
For instance, jump rope is an excellent, low-impact way to get all the benefits of running. According to one study, a 10-minute daily rope-skipping program is just as effective as a 30-minute jogging regimen.
Boxing is another amazing form of cardio—and don’t worry, you don’t actually need to hop into the ring and fight someone to reap the benefits of boxing. By incorporating different types of kicks, punches, and shuffling motions, you can train your core and upper- and lower-body muscles while getting your heart pumping. If you really don’t like running, you can find more fantastic cardio exercises right here.
