by Erik Van Tongerloo

Created on: March 17, 2007   Last Updated: December 26, 2008

While running may be a good exercise for many people to get a good workout; you will find other exercises to reach the same or even a better result. Running is an intensive and endurance exercise and you can reach the same effect in some other exercises.

However high intensity exercises will give you the best performance; there are reasons you may have to avoid such exercises, for example pregnancy, joint problems, stress fractures, heart problems or you are a beginning exerciser. Before you start selecting exercises which you may like it is necessary to consult a doctor to be sure your exercise will not damage your health. He can help to choose the right exercises for you.

There are many exercises without running to get a good workout. It is necessary you like the exercises and you need be able to exercise at least 3 times each week. Maybe it is best to choose for a variety of exercises, this way you can strengthen different muscles of your body and this will improve your workout.

Here are a few suggestions which may help you to choose the right exercises to get a good workout:

* Walking

Walking can be considered as one of the most popular low impact exercises. Most people can practise this sport and can be recommended for beginning exercisers. They can start to walk for only a quarter each day and build up their training schedule slowly to prevent injuries. After some time you can walk faster in order to get your heart rate up and to burn more calories. Walking can be considered as one of the easiest exercises to start but if you walk for some hours you can reach the same endurance effect than running one half hour. Walking is a good exercise to strengthen the muscles in your legs and will improve your lung capacity.

* Swimming

Swimming can be considered as one of the best overall exercises which may improve your cardio-vascular system. This sport will strengthen the muscles in almost every part of your body. It is necessary to use the muscles of your arms, hips and legs and practising this sport will improve your general. There is a variety of swimming styles and every style will benefit other muscles. Swimming will also improve your breathing, your heart and your lungs.

* Cycling

Cycling is an exercise which will benefit the strength of your legs and especially your knees. Cycling is also an endurance exercise and will improve your cardio-vascular system. You don't need to ride intensive with your bicycle; even riding slowly will improve your endurance and also

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