Can you get a good cardio workout without going to the gym?

1. 87

   GA Andersonposted 12 years ago

   Can you get a good cardio workout without going to the gym?

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2. 63

   SoaresJCSLposted 12 years ago

   Probably jogging. But you could find it gets a bit boring.
   
   Another option, you can do a bike-friendly place. You could bike absolutely everywhere (grocery store, to see friends).
   
   Finally, you can walk all over the city every day, for recreation. That's a good exercise.
   
   Not to forget, jumping rope burns a great number of calories.

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3. 69

   BarryCrossposted 12 years ago

   Absolutely GA! Use high intensity interval training for walking, running, cycling and even swimming.
   
   Alternativley purchase a set of resistance bands. They are superb for the home, hotel room, on vacation, round at a friends house etc workout. Do full body work outs with 15 - 20 reps per exercise and only 20 seconds rest inbetween sets for 30-45 minutes.
   
   A set of good bands will only cost $30 - $40 versus $600 per year gym membership.
   
   All of the above are superb cardio workouts!
   
   Check out my Hub on resistance bands for weight loss for more detailed info.
   
   Cheers
   Barry:)

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4. 65

   jacobspageposted 12 years ago

   Some of my best cardio workouts are around my neighbor hood and in my drive way. Try doing pushups and situps during commercials, jump ropes, walking or jogging a couple miles.

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5. 89

   Melissa Althenposted 12 years ago

   My best cardio workouts happen outside of the gym.  For years I just pushed a toddler in a stroller 2 miles a day.  Daily activity outside can provide you fresh air and a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun.

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6. 66

   KXTRAposted 12 years ago

   I absolutely believe you can get a great cardio workout without going to the gym! In fact, years ago before my junior year of college, I lost 30 pounds in one summer without stepping foot in a gym.
   
   I went to the local high school track 5 days per week. First I would walk one lap, then run one lap, then walk one lap, run a lap and so on for 30 minutes. Then, I built up to walking one lap, running two laps and so on. By the end of the summer, I was able to run 4 laps (1 mile) around the track twice! It was amazing cardio workout and I seriously never felt like I was missing anything my skipping the gym.
   
   Also, you can get a stability ball. I got one for like $20 at TJ Maxx. After running, I would do 100 crunches on the stability ball every day.
   
   Something that I do now to stay in shape that's fun and challenging is swimming laps. I swim laps at my local YMCA, but if you want to avoid the gym completely, you can check into your local community centers for their lap swimming schedules. Also, many hotels that have pools will offer lap swimming during certain hours to the general public for a nominal fee. I've seen swimming knock the breath out of many an avid runner. It's fun and low impact, and it's a huge cardio and muscular challenge!

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7. 71

   soconfidentposted 12 years ago

   Yes you can always take a jog around the block

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8. 80

   Matthew Ryczkoposted 12 years ago

   Definitely. I personally promote working out without equipment. The only case where you really, absolutely, need equipment, is bodybuilding. For cardio, jogging is the best. To make it a little less boring- get a jogging buddy and make little games out of it. Occasional short bursts of higher intensity will help push your heart rate even higher. If you can get a decent group of people to jog with (I'd say at least 5)- you can jog in line (following each other), and every 30 seconds or so, the person in back can run around to the front. Also, when you've jogged as far as you can, walk for a minute and then do some strength and flexibility exercises until you catch your breath and then keep jogging.

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9. 0

   trainer ben gamonposted 12 years ago

   your body is your gym. one of the most common myths is you need a gym to exercise. you can do all the following:
   - running
   - hiking
   - swimming
   - cleaning the house
   - walking the dog
   - playing sports
   
   so yes, you can get a great cardio workout outside the gym.

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