Cardio (and possible alternatives)

billwill

Alright, I already do stuff with boxing, which is definitely a great work out, but I'd like to involve the legs more.

I tried running the other day on my treadmill (something I haven't done in forever), but besides finding it incredibly boring, my feet began to swell and it became very painful! Do I just need to walk and slowly ramp up?

Also, I'm open to possible alternatives to just running/walking. Maybe cycling? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

mere_immortal

Depending on the pace cycling and swimming are good and low impact.

I always enjoy a rowing machine, obviously if you have gym access.

Burtletoy

Elliptical

NotYou

Swimming is great cardio and works out all kinds of muscles you don't normally use.

If you're a boxer, you've gotta run. Road work is just one of the basics of a boxing training regimen. You should be throwing in some wind sprints as well. That ought to keep it interesting.

Rowing machines are good as mere_immortal stated.

Running up and down stairs is great if you can find a stadium or just a really long straight stairwell somewhere in your area.

You can lift weights fast enough to be out of breath, and that'll also boost your cardio.

Mego Thor

Do you have stairs nearby? Run up and down 'em.

redfield85

I just saw cardio and you want to use your legs more? Dance Dance Revolution.

I have two Redoctane pads (that I got for $100 each back in the day...seemingly cheaper now). They still work great.

Fairchild

Cycling is awesome. Puts a lot less stress on the joints than running or jumping rope.

piL

Dogs bark, truckers drive, and boxers skip rope.

A good rope costs $5 and there's plenty enough variation in jumping styles that you'll probably quit out of frustration before boredom. But keep with it, because the endurance is useful, and I find it much less boring than running.

Fairchild

10 minutes of jumping rope = 3 miles of running, calorie-burning wise. But Holy Moley is it high impact, and all those years of football did enough damage to my knees and ankles.

Zombiemambo

Personally I fell in love with cycling and I hate cardio. I get to see the city (my part of town is beautiful, so ymmv) and exercise but it hardly feels like work.