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Original poster

Keeping fit without running

17 replies

HikingforScenery · 02/03/2023 22:10

Or going to the gym.

I need to get fitter but i hate running. I do enjoy walking but don’t have the time to do enough. Or do I?

I enjoy doing yoga and pilates but don’t know how much of this is enough.

So is anyone on here in good shape but hates running? How do you do it?

OP posts:
WeCome1 · 02/03/2023 22:12

Low (ish) impact HIT and strength workouts from YouTube or apple fitness. Not sure I’d say I’m in good shape though 😂

WishUponAStar88 · 02/03/2023 22:13

Exercise classes at the gym? Swimming? Team sports? Cycling? Weights/ strength training?

I would say hill walking is pretty good exercise though if it’s getting your heart rate up.

Spraylatter · 02/03/2023 22:14

Zumba or a class like that to get your heart rate up. And weight training

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
hadtoomuchsleep · 02/03/2023 22:15

Weight training 100%
I like spin classes, but I loathe running and have never been able to stick it.

banbonbon · 02/03/2023 22:17

Watching with interest as I absolutely hate running (makes me nauseous) and seen too many friends get "obsessed" with times, PBs etc... same for cycling to be honest

astarsheis · 02/03/2023 22:22

Spin classes, swimming and cycling for me. Love it and feel fitter than ever.

Original poster
HikingforScenery · 02/03/2023 23:10

Thank you all

tried a spin class once. i felt i was dying 🤣

I e joyed zumba and the various weight/no weights training lessons. I’ll rejoin the gym and try again.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 03/03/2023 01:08

I need to get back into it, but I getting into good shape using apps in VR.

FlowerArranger · 03/03/2023 01:17

Weight and resistance training. Totally life changing.

All you need is some dumbbells (3-5kg to start with, depending on current fitness) and check out these workouts on YouTube:

Growingannanas - lots of HIIT workouts with weights
Rebecca Louise - Ageless Arms, Best Arms, Bingo Wings
Caroline Girvan - EPIC Beginners

But you need a strong core! Try these:

Bowflex 3-minute plank - do this every day
Rebecca Louise - Best Abs
Caroline Girvan - Braced Abs and Core.

NB: There is a long running thread about Caroline Girvan in the Exercise forum. She is one of the best online trainers.

MintJulia · 03/03/2023 01:29

Can you build low impact activities like cycling into your day? Cycle to work? Early morning swim at the weekends? Most public pools have an early session.

toucaninjapan · 03/03/2023 01:36

I personally prefer short, but intensive training.
Say, you do the "invisible chair" near the wall for 1 minute, 30 sec rest, then again the same for 1 minute.
Then you do the plank (like the one on the pic attached) for 1 minute.
3 mins, and you are done, but you have used lots of muscles in your body.
The next day I do something like "7 min ballerina core workout" on youtube, the next day I train my back for example (again, very short but intensive).
I find it easier to motivate myself to do something that will not take too much of my time and won't require much preparation or going outside. I do also make sure to walk a lot every day though!

Keeping fit without running
Summer2424 · 03/03/2023 02:37

Hi @HikingforScenery i would do about 45 mins or an hour of pilates and yoga every morning. My body was amazing. I didn't run or do any high intense workouts, j would however go for a walk when i could.
I had a baby 5 months ago and can't quite get back into pilates atm but look forward to when i can! 😁

astarsheis · 03/03/2023 06:56

HikingforScenery · 02/03/2023 23:10

Thank you all

tried a spin class once. i felt i was dying 🤣

I e joyed zumba and the various weight/no weights training lessons. I’ll rejoin the gym and try again.

There is a lot of stuff on youtube if you want to start training at home.

The mistake people make with spin classes is that they try to keep up in their first class and then end up dying and hating it.
Start slowly and you have to go at least twice a week to build up the cardio.

Dont wate your money on a gym membership if you dont think you're going to use it. If you do, it might be worth getting a PT to get you started.

Hope you find somehting you enjoy x

user1494050295 · 03/03/2023 07:11

HikingforScenery · 02/03/2023 23:10

Thank you all

tried a spin class once. i felt i was dying 🤣

I e joyed zumba and the various weight/no weights training lessons. I’ll rejoin the gym and try again.

re spin isn’t that the point. And the more you do spin the stronger and fitter you get

TheOrigRights · 03/03/2023 08:47

There are infinite ways to exercise. Pick something you enjoy and you can fit in the time you have, and get on with it.
There are no mysterious secrets.

blobby10 · 03/03/2023 08:58

When I couldn't get to the gym last summer I did some interval training sessions at home - bodyweight mostly but then with a light kettlebell that I found in the garage. Alternated 40 secs on 20 secs rest, one aerobic exercise (burpees, mountain climbers, star jumps etc) with a lower body (squats, lunges, single leg dead lift etc) with upper body (press up, tricep dip, high rows (with KB) etc) and core. I did 15 exercises in each rotation and depending on time and fitness limits did it once twice or three times! I'm sure its helped my fitness levels and now I'm back in the gym, I do one rotation as a warm up but am introducing light weights gradually

FlowerArranger · 03/03/2023 13:50

Growingannanas has some great HIIT workouts, both with and without weights. I particularly like her tabata sessions.

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