Hate Running? Don’t Do It.

If you don’t like running, you are far from alone. Half of all runners say they either hate it or barely tolerate it, and only eight percent say they love it. Surprised? If you’re among the millions who run a little or a lot, anywhere in the world, the odds are high that you aren’t having fun. Not even close. These are just some of the findings from a recent survey of 25,000 runners worldwide by the fitness-tracking company, Strava.

What’s going on? Aren’t we supposed to love running? Get in the zone? Experience the “runner’s high”? The answer is emphatically, “no.” Running is not fun except for a lucky few.

Yes, running provides terrific health and wellness benefits. The majority of people who run are motivated by improving their health, both mental and physical, and by boosting their body image. But, for most of them there is little to enjoy except the end of the run. It’s a job that has to be done.

Stop Running and Get Healthier

If you love running and can’t wait to lace up your shoes, I envy you. But if you don’t like to run, the good news is you can stop and actually get healthier. As someone who ran for over three decades, raced a few charity 10ks, and chalked up endless miles, I know what the “Why We Run” data is saying: running isn’t fun, but we do it because we think it’s necessary.

A few years ago, I stop running and focused on doing things that get my heart rate up, make me stronger, and make me feel happier. For me, it’s working out in a gym, doing regular HITT work (high-intensity interval training), and occasionally (and carefully!) skateboarding for balance and for pretending I’m still 17.

Exercises to Shred Calories and Build Strength

If you don’t like running, find something that makes you happier and gives you the same benefits. It sounds simple – and it is. There are many great alternatives to running that are easy to learn and inexpensive to do. Here are just a few that are increasingly popular.

HIIT Workouts – all you need is an exercise mat and some space in your home for a seriously speedy and effective way to get in shape. HIIT training involves short bursts of intense exercise with rests in between. There are many programs you can watch online, or better, take a HIIT beginner class at a local gym.

Tabata – think of Tabata as extreme HIIT. If you’re already fit, this high-intensity workout can deliver maximum muscle-burning in as little as 4-minutes. Based on the research of the Japanese speed skating coach, Izumi Tabata, a full circuit of Tabata that lasts up to 20 minutes will produce extraordinary cardio-respiratory endurance. Does it work? Japan’s Olympic gold medals say it all.

Kettlebells – it’s hard not spot kettlebells in gyms, stores, and your best friend’s home. That’s because kettlebells have moved from ‘fad’ a few years ago to an exercise that can help you build full-body strength and zap calories in as little as 30-minutes. The two popular exercises with kettlebells are Swing and Flow.

Jump Rope – moderate to intense rope jumping will roast calories and use more muscle groups than jogging. It can also challenge your balance and coordination if you work in extra hand and foot skills. Jump rope for more than 15 minutes and you’ll feel the sweat along with the fun.

Fitness Boxing – no, this isn’t stepping into a ring and taking punches. Fitness boxing is a popular version of the sport that builds strength, coordination, and is a great aerobic exercise. Other key benefits are improved balance and posture and increased endurance and alertness. Many community fitness centers offer classes in fitness boxing.