I’m going to make a bold statement here: I hate running.
Nothing about pounding the pavement or tearing up the treadmill really appeals to me. The only running mileage I clock up is the brief spurts of jogging I do when feeling particularly energetic on my walks. But then my lungs start burning, my face turns an interesting shade of red, and I return to the glory of my walk.
I am a walker. Not a runner.
And I’m perfectly ok with that.
However, just because I don’t run doesn’t mean I’m not fit. Fitness is a very individual thing, and we all have our strengths and weaknesses. You may be born to run, while some may be better at lifting heavy things, and others masters of mobility and flexibility. The important thing when it comes to exercise is to just do something.
The options are endless when it comes to fitness and there truly is something for everyone. So if you aren’t into running or going to the gym why not consider these options:
- Sign up for a dance class
- Play group sport such as basketball, soccer or football
- Join a walking or hiking group
- Get gardening! If you don’t have a green space of your own, volunteer at a community garden
- For the more adventuresome folk, why not try rock climbing?
- Make a splash: swimming and water sports are great in summer
- Cycle to work or school and consider joining a local club to meet like minded folk
- Try Crossfit if your after a short intense workout which is sure to get you fit
- Setup some at home options: fitness dvds, exercise bands, and dumbells are all great options.
- Head to the local park and let your body be your gym! Try one of these equipment free workouts.
Get your rear into gear with this lower body workout (click image for link)
If you choose an activity you love, you are much more likely to stick with it. Movement really does matter for our health and wellbeing: it prevents disease, keeps our hearts healthy, and is excellent stress relief! So if you don’t love what you are doing, try something new! Fitness is meant to be challenging, but fun too.
I personally enjoy circuit style strength training which keeps my heart rate high and strengthens my muscles. I do it because I enjoy it.
For me running sucks. But it may totally be your thing, which is great! I’ve heard the post sweat mood boost is amazing.
But I’ve got my own way of experiencing ‘runner’s high’…
It includes sitting on the couch, with a bar of dark chocolate, watching the men’s olympic sprinting…
Now that’s an endorphin kick I really enjoy 
-Sarah xo
Great article … too many people force themselves to do something that they hate because everyone else is doing it. Like you, I LOATHE running. It’s boring, it’s painful, it’s not for me. So I get my cardio kicks through intensive stationary bike and interval sprints on the treadmill. Technically that’s running, but I prefer short, powerful blasts to long-distance (and it’s easier on my hockey-ravaged knees).
I love sprints also…short and intense is definitely my thing
Hate running!! =)
Another non-runner over here!
I love it! But I hated it at one point in my life, so I can totally appreciate those who hate it, too!
That’s totally great! Maybe one day I’ll change my tune and become a runner
I used to love running when I started in high school…but then I started hating it when I tried running longer than 5k
But I sometimes do have those moments when I want to give it a go again, and I do, and yeah, nah, I don’t like it. Haha. I’d have to say my favourite are yoga and pilates, but occasionally like to challenge myself with different kinds of workouts (keeps me out of boredom too).
Changing up exercise is so important…I get bored quite easily too! Right now I’m loving kettlebell training and have recently started doing a core class called CxWorx which I love love love
I love core strengthening classes too
Too bad my gym doesn’t have CxWorx though; it sounds like something I’d love to try!
I hate running (my asthma won’t let me run for very long) but I do love everything indoors + yoga indoors & outdoors. I’ve danced for 15 years and it never felt like “work” to workout
I recently started going to the gym.. I wonder how I’m going to enjoy that 
gym time can be super fun too…i recently started doing core classes which are amazing! Let me know how you go
Love this entry! I think the key to being successful with fitness is to do what you love and not force yourself to do exercises that doesn’t make you happy… but that also means ou should try everything!
so right katy!!! trying new things is the only way to find out what your likes and dislikes are
I completley agree with you! I actually began my fitness journey with running/cardio and eventually ditched it for weights!
Now I do absolutely no “cardio” because I obtain it through different ways of exercising.
Thanks for this article! I always feel guilty about hating running, because all girls on fitness websites talk about is how amazing it is. But I should do what I love – walking and biking are more my thing. Nice to see there are others like me too.