Logo Carenity
Logo Carenity
Join now! Log in
flag en
flag fr flag es flag de flag it flag us
Home Forum Conditions Magazine Medications Surveys
Join now! Log in
  • Forum
  • Conditions
  • Magazine
  • Medications
  • Surveys
  • Home
  • Forums
  • General forums
  • Good to know
  • 5 alternatives to running
 Back
Good to know

5 alternatives to running

  •  347 views
  •  2 times supported
  •  8 comments

avatar Margarita_k

Margarita_k

Community manager
05/10/2017 at 11:26

Good advisor

avatar Margarita_k

Margarita_k

Community manager

Last activity on 07/10/2020 at 11:39

Joined in 2016


1,195 comments posted | 118 in the Good to know group

2 of their responses were helpful to members


Rewards

  • Good Advisor

  • Contributor

  • Messenger

  • Committed

  • Explorer

  • Evaluator


 View profileView  Add a friendAdd  Write

Running is a very effective cardio and high-impact exercise. However, for many of us running is not an option due to disease, and others just don't like this type of physical activity.

Here are some alternatives that can easily replace running and provide us with the same health benefits.

NB: Don't forget to consult your doctor before taking up any activity listed below, and to start gradually, if you were not into sport before.

1. Cycling

Cycling offers runners the perfect alternative to running. Just like running, cycling can be enjoyed indoors or out thanks to stationary bikes and bike trainers. Cycling allows you to maintain and improve your fitness but without the same stress on your joints and shins. Hop onto a road bike, a stationary bike at home or at the gym, or try an advanced Spin class for a high-intensity workout that just might offer runners a new kind of high.

2. The elliptical trainer

Love it or hate it, the elliptical trainer offers an excellent training alternative for runners who are injured or looking to rest their joints. Elliptical machines allow you to mimic the motion of running, and though a weight-bearing activity, it is low-impact for your joints so that you can get a workout comparable to jogging with less impact on your joints. Focusing on motions that are as similar as possible to your usual running form and sticking to a similar training schedule will help you make the most of this activity and maintain your fitness level.

3. Water running

Runners who need a change but are reluctant to try anything other than running, are likely to find water running, which is also referred to as pool running, to be a good compromise. Just as the name suggests, water running is performed by running in water, often the deep end of a swimming pool with an aqua belt on to provide buoyancy. This great alternative to running lets you enjoy the benefits that come from the motion of running without any impact on your joints. To get the most out of pool running, focus on your form, staying consistent with your regular running motion. Following a training schedule similar to your running schedule will also help you get the most from this unique alternative while still giving your joints a break.

4. Walking

Contrary to popular belief, walking is an effective alternative for runners who want the same health benefits but without the impact on their joints. A study published by the American Heart Association found that walking was just as effective as running in lowering the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The key is to walk for the same total distance, which may take about twice as long, in order to get the same benefits as you would from running. Along with the health benefits, you also get to enjoy the fresh air and scenery that makes running so appealing.

5. Step aerobics

Taking a step aerobics class or working out to a step video offers a high-intensity and low-impact workout alternative that is easier on the joints than running but still effective in improving muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. One study found that step aerobics exercises offer a biomechanical load that falls between what you would get from walking and running. The key is to perform the moves properly and safely to avoid injury.

Source: healthline.com

Follow

Other groups...

Good to know
All things Christmas
Carenity News
Feedback for Carenity
Fun and games
How to use Carenity
Let's talk about COVID-19
Life beyond illness
News from the media
Procedures and Paperwork
Youth patients with chronic conditions

Give your opinion

Survey

What do you think about the Carenity Forum and community?

All comments

avatar april007

april007

09/10/2017 at 12:28

Good advisor

avatar april007

april007

Last activity on 20/10/2020 at 10:23

Joined in 2017


25 comments posted | 3 in the Good to know group


Rewards

  • Good Advisor

  • Contributor

  • Explorer

  • Friend


 View profileView  Add a friendAdd  Write

Thank you, interesting ideas, for those who can't run or don't like to. Never heard of water running!wonder how it's done


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-09 12:28:12

avatar Johannawarren2002

Johannawarren2002

09/10/2017 at 14:12

Good advisor

avatar Johannawarren2002

Johannawarren2002

Last activity on 07/03/2024 at 19:53

Joined in 2017


9 comments posted | 4 in the Good to know group


Rewards

  • Good Advisor

  • Contributor

  • Committed

  • Explorer

  • Evaluator


 View profileView  Add a friendAdd  Write

I found aquaerobics to be perfect for me - no joint pain, socially good, met lots of new friends, full body workout and, best of all, it was hilarious, we laughed most of the time! Plus the session after was a lane swim so I had a lovely cool down - slow, relaxed, perfect.


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-09 14:12:36
avatar exit

Unregistered member

11/10/2017 at 08:52

[Moderated content]


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-11 08:52:36
avatar exit

Unregistered member

11/10/2017 at 11:28

[Moderated content]


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-11 11:28:50

avatar Mullys

Mullys

16/10/2017 at 16:23

avatar Mullys

Mullys

Last activity on 30/12/2024 at 11:54

Joined in 2016


4 comments posted | 3 in the Good to know group


Rewards

  • Explorer


 View profileView  Add a friendAdd  Write

Try DANCE! Any kind you fancy. Fun to do & you forget you are exercising


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-16 16:23:13
avatar exit

Unregistered member

16/10/2017 at 19:10

Walking just did the London bridges walk and raised £485. So enjoyed it 


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-16 19:10:01
avatar exit

Unregistered member

19/10/2017 at 15:03

@Cazcop 


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-19 15:03:45

avatar BAZWHEAT

BAZWHEAT

23/10/2017 at 17:48

Good advisor

avatar BAZWHEAT

BAZWHEAT

Last activity on 06/05/2025 at 18:11

Joined in 2015


121 comments posted | 34 in the Good to know group

23 of their responses were helpful to members


Rewards

  • Good Advisor

  • Contributor

  • Committed

  • Explorer

  • Evaluator

  • Friend


 View profileView  Add a friendAdd  Write

Tai Chi for me !

See the signature

bazwheat


5 alternatives to running https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/5-alternatives-to-running-2002 2017-10-23 17:48:55

Give your opinion

Survey

What do you think about the Carenity Forum and community?

Articles to discover...

The fear of flare-ups: How to stop waiting for the worst and take back control

23/05/2025 | Advice

The fear of flare-ups: How to stop waiting for the worst and take back control

The identity shift: How to build a life that includes, but isn’t defined by, illness

05/05/2025 | Advice

The identity shift: How to build a life that includes, but isn’t defined by, illness

Medications and driving: Are your prescriptions putting you at risk behind the wheel?

26/04/2025 | Advice

Medications and driving: Are your prescriptions putting you at risk behind the wheel?

Can journaling bring real benefits for chronic illness symptoms?

25/04/2025 | Advice

Can journaling bring real benefits for chronic illness symptoms?

NHS - Get help with prescription costs

12/11/2019 | Procedures & paperwork

NHS - Get help with prescription costs

Diclofenac to become a prescription drug

21/01/2015 | News

Diclofenac to become a prescription drug

Opioids Causing Concerns, Problems for Chronic Pain Patients

14/10/2016 | News

Opioids Causing Concerns, Problems for Chronic Pain Patients

Do you have the winter blues?

21/10/2014 | News

Do you have the winter blues?

icon cross

Does this topic interest you?

Join the 500 000 patients registered on our platform, get information on your condition or on that of your family member, and discuss it with the community

Join now! Join now! Join now! Join now! Join now!

It’s free and confidential

Subscribe

You wish to be notified of new comments

 

Your subscription has been taken into account

Join now! Log in

About

  • Who are we?
  • The Carenity team
  • The Science and Ethics Committee
  • Contributors
  • Carenity in the news
  • Certifications and awards
  • Data For Good
  • Our scientific publications
  • Discover our studies
  • Editorial policy
  • Code of conduct
  • Our commitments
  • Legal notice
  • Terms of use
  • Cookies management
  • Contact
  • Carenity for professionals

Quick access

  • Health magazine
  • Search a forum
  • Learn about a condition
  • See medication reviews
  • List of forums (A-Z)
  • List of condition info sheets (A-Z)
  • List of medication fact sheets (A-Z)
  • Language flag fr flag de flag es flag it flag us

The www.carenity.co.uk website does not constitute or replace professional medical advice.