I've done a good amount of running as I figured out it was the easiest* way to do cardio. I trained for two 1/2 marathons. One in 2006 and one in 2007. And since then, I've gradually been realizing the following...I don't like running; I don't have a runner's body; Running doesn't really do my body much good. I know there are people out there who have runner's bodies and they can run a lot without pain and it proves to be a good workout for them. This is not my case. When I run a lot my knee hurts, my hip hurts, and my leg muscles bulk up a lot (not the look I want). Do people realize the impact of so much compression on their joints? And the effects of having poor running shoes? My friend's mom is convinced a lot of running is what has made her husband shrink as he has gotten older.
If you'd like to reevaluate your methods of cardio, I am offering the following list, because while throwing on running shoes might be the easiest method to workout, it really might not be of any benefit to your body.
1. Yoga. Of course, you know that's going to be number one. Nothing offers such a total body, sweat inducing workout as yoga, in my opinion.
2. Swimming. Get some good goggles. Buy a good speedo.
3. The eliptical. I love elipticals. You've gotta push yourself on these though -- no lackadaisical 20 minutes on there. I make myself burn at least 400 calories, which takes me about 40 minutes.
4. Spin classes. These are brutal, but the intensity is fun as the music is loud and the instructor pushes you to your limit. Sweat inducing for sure.
5. Zhumba. I love the zhumba class I go to. I pay $5 a class and it's held in a bingo hall in pretty ghetto Alexandria off Little River Turnpike. The girl who teaches is hot and Latin and can most definitely move her hips effectively. http://azuka-bom.com
6. Tennis. I don't play tennis a ton, but it's nice to have some variety. Of course, you've got to have someone to play with.
7. Kickboxing classes.
8. P90X. I've never actually done it, but I totally want to. I actually have a video I do every so often called Shape: Bikini Body Camp Transforming Workout. There are 3 segments (I just rotate between the first two) and they both are an awesome workout. It'll make you sore, for sure. You'll be feeling muscles you probably never knew you had.
9. Go for a bike ride outside. Get some fresh air!
10. Rollerblading. I LOVE rollerblading. It's such an awesome leg/butt workout without any impact. I start at "The Melrose" and go right past Reagan Airport on the Mount Vernon trail - the Virginia side of the Potomac. I go as far as the Memorial Bridge and turn around.
11. Skiing. I love both water and snow skiing. In the summer I water ski a lot, because my parents have a boat. It's definitely harder to go snow skiing. But it's so nice to have a day/weekend to look forward to something in the middle of the winter.
12. Hiking. I love being outside and the uneven terrain provides such a great workout.
13. Rock climbing. I don't do this, but have been really wanting to get into it.
That's all I've got! There are other things to do than run! Things that will make you stronger AND at your normal height into your older years!
I use my gym membership only for spin classes, swimming, an occasional kickboxing class, and the elliptical. It ends up being maybe twice a week, but I still think it's worth it. I just feel you have to have access to a gym.
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