by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: June 22, 2009

When people decide to get fit they often regard running as the best way to do so because it is such an effective calorie burner, and usually individuals who choose to embark on a fitness programme do so out of a desire to lose weight and tone up. However, running isn't for everyone, particularly those who are extremely unfit and haven't followed a fitness programme for quite some time, or for individuals with certain health issues or injuries which make doing such a high-impact activity such as running extremely difficult and painful. Luckily, there are plenty of activities other than running which can help individuals to get fitter.

Walking is an excellent activity for increasing stamina and building strength, and has the additional benefit of being low-impact. Walking isn't quite as strenuous as running which can help individuals to carry on for longer, thus burning more calories, and is an activity which can be incorporated into anybody's daily routine. It doesn't require any special equipment, apart from a good pair of trainers, and is free to do. The fitter individuals get the faster they will be able to go, and power walking can be an even more effective way to burn calories than just walking normally.

There are also exercise machines which burn just as many calories, if not more, as running does. Elliptical machines work the upper and lower body, and offer a good cardiovascular workout that can vary from light to high intensity depending on the individual. Elliptical machines offer a low-impact workout which doesn't put pressure on joints, thus reducing the chances of developing impact injuries.

Swimming is another excellent activity for burning a substantial amount of calories, working the heart, and giving the whole body an effective workout whilst not putting any pressure on people's joints. Swimming can therefore be particularly good for individuals who are carrying a lot of excess weight to lose weight and get fitter.

Cycling provides just as good a workout as running, though it doesn't workout the upper half of the body as effectively, but it can still help burn calories, and tone up a person's legs, thighs and bottom. Combined with strength training it can be a perfect way for people to stay fit and sculpt their bodies.

It is clear, then, that running is not the only activity which can be used by individuals to get fitter. There are lots of activities and sports which provide an extremely effective cardiovascular workout without the discomfort that running can sometimes bring. There are people who want to run but can't, as well as people who choose not to run because they don't like it or due to the fact that it is not convenient for them to run in their area and they don't have access to a treadmill. Yet, whatever their reasons for not wanting to run there is no excuse to not exercise at all since there is such a wide range of activities on offer which offer similar health benefits.

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