29 Nov Five workouts to try if you hate running

Running is what comes to the mind of many when they think of exercise. While running is an efficient form of cardio, it barely scratches the surface of the forms exercise can take in society today. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, the public has become much more inventive in the ways that people can exercise from the comfort of their own homes. Some workouts require the purchase of different equipment, but often you can find workouts that require nothing except a little bit of free time and a good attitude!  

Many people more readily find the energy to exercise when they are in the company of others or in a class setting. Recruiting a gym buddy to accompany you to the gym or to a local class is a great way to use collective motivation to your advantage. 

Now, onto the five workouts to try if running is not your thing : 

• Pilates : This is a fantastic workout that can be done in a class setting or simply using videos that can be accessed online. Designed to be low-impact, this workout type can improve muscle strength and endurance while sparing your tendons and joints. 
• Yoga : The second item on this list is one that many people have heard of, yoga. A combination of flexibility training and movements that stress time under tension make this activity one fit for all ages. A number of subdisciplines are accessible under the overarching category of yoga, including hot yoga and black light yoga. 
• Built-In Training Workout Machines : The pandemic has pushed the development of a number of workout tools and machines that can be positioned and utilized in the home. Some examples of these include the Peloton bike which allows users to participate in classes and the mirror home gym which attempts to recreate a personal training dynamic. 
• Self-Defense and Martial Arts Classes : Another fun workout style that also involves the learning of valuable skills is martial art training. Primarily utilized in the class setting, this style of exercise is often a combination of cardio and strength training that can quickly cause rapid calorie burning. 
• Zumba : This fun and unique workout combine global music with dance moves to create a potent cardiovascular workout. The fun that those who partake in this workout get is what drives them to continue coming back for more. 

The simple act of trying new activities such as those mentioned here can create lasting enjoyment and a renewed focus on exercise.