Alternatives to Running for Cardio: The Complete Guide

Tired of running—or it just doesn’t work for your body? You’re not alone. High impact, repetitive strain, and boredom are why people search “what can I do instead of running” in the first place. The good news: there are low-impact alternatives to running that deliver the same cardiovascular benefits.

Below is the complete list of alternatives to running for cardio, how they compare, and where HupSix fits in if you want something you’ll actually look forward to.

QUICK ANSWER: THE BEST ALTERNATIVES TO RUNNING
Indoor cycling, elliptical, rowing, step aerobics, jump rope, swimming, walking, shadowboxing, and HupSix.
These all raise heart rate and build endurance without the pounding.

HOW THESE COMPARE TO RUNNING (IMPACT & USE-CASE)

• Running — High impact; great for aerobic capacity; repetitive pattern can cause overuse for some.
  
• Indoor Cycling — Low impact; steady or interval work; lower-body dominant; easy to progress resistance.
  
  
• Elliptical — Low impact; upper + lower body involvement; adjustable incline/resistance; large footprint for most units.
  
  
• Rowing — Low impact; full-body drive + pull; technique matters; compact models store upright.
  
  
• Step Aerobics — Moderate impact depending on height and tempo; footwork variety keeps interest; watch knee tolerance.
  
  
• Jump Rope — Moderate impact; portable; excellent rhythm/timing and cardio; needs decent surface and ceiling clearance.
  
  
• Swimming — Very low impact; full-body; pool access required; great for long aerobic sessions.
  
  
• Walking (Brisk) — Very low impact; accessible; longer duration needed to match higher-intensity work.
  
  
• Shadowboxing — Low impact; footwork + coordination + intervals; small-space friendly; benefits scale with intent.
  
  
• HupSix — Low impact; music-driven, instructor-led; cardio plus coordination; compact setup.
  
  

EQUIPMENT-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO RUNNING

Indoor Cycling / Stationary Bike
Impact: Low
Pros: Scalable resistance; weather-proof; easy intervals.
Cons: Repetitive feel without structure; limited upper-body work.

Elliptical
Impact: Low
Pros: Upper + lower body; adjustable incline/resistance.
Cons: Large footprint; motion can feel unnatural to some.

Rowing Machine
Impact: Low
Pros: Efficient full-body cardio; stores vertically on many models.
Cons: Technique sensitive; some find it noisy in apartments.

MINIMAL OR NO-MACHINE OPTIONS AT HOME

Step Aerobics
Impact: Low to moderate (depends on height/tempo)
Pros: Footwork variety; easy to add arm patterns.
Cons: Watch knee tolerance on higher steps; needs space to move around safely.

Jump Rope
Impact: Moderate
Pros: Highly portable; excellent conditioning + timing.
Cons: Needs good surface/clearance; not ideal for some ankles.

Swimming
Impact: Very low
Pros: Full-body; great for longer aerobic sessions.
Cons: Pool access; logistics can limit consistency.

Walking (Brisk) / Incline Walk
Impact: Very low
Pros: Accessible anywhere; easy to stack daily volume.
Cons: Requires longer sessions to match higher-intensity work.

Shadowboxing
Impact: Low
Pros: Small-space friendly; footwork + reaction + cardio.
Cons: Benefits depend on technique/effort; timer/structure helps.

WHY HUPSIX STANDS OUT (BEST ALTERNATIVE YOU’LL STICK WITH)

HupSix is a fast-paced workout that improves the way you move using patented gear, bodyweight exercises, and audio cues to get you moving in sync to music that rocks.

You’re not zoning out on a machine. You’re training coordination with resistance while hitting real cardio.

WHAT MAKES IT BETTER THAN TYPICAL ALTERNATIVES

A HupSix workout gives you everything you’d get from a treadmill in terms of cardio—plus a whole lot more.

You’re not just moving your feet and zoning out. A real instructor keeps you engaged; each round you learn the move, practice it, then go full-out to a song.

We build the class progressively and end with a combo of everything you learned in the first rounds.

It’s challenging and it’s fun.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Format: 6 rounds in 30 minutes—learn, practice, then go full-out to music.
• Setup: Compact footprint (about a yoga mat); quick to set up; lifetime-guaranteed gear.
• Benefits: Running-level cardio plus coordination, agility, and faster reactions you’ll feel in sports and everyday life.

FAQS: ALTERNATIVES TO RUNNING FOR CARDIO

What can I do instead of running?
Indoor cycling, rowing, elliptical, step aerobics, swimming, walking, jump rope, shadowboxing, and HupSix.

What’s the best cardio alternative to running?
If you want low impact with high engagement, HupSix or rowing are top picks.

What’s the best running substitute at home?
HupSix—compact footprint, instructor-led sessions, music-driven structure that keeps you going.

What are the best low-impact alternatives to running?
Cycling, elliptical, swimming, and HupSix keep intensity high without pounding your joints.

Is walking a good alternative to running?
Yes for general health—just make it brisk and consistent. For peak benefits, mix in higher-intensity days (HupSix classes make this simple).

Can HupSix replace running?
Yes. You’ll get the cardiovascular benefit of running while improving how you move. Low impact, high engagement.

RELATED READS (BUILD YOUR CARDIO PLAN)

• Low-Impact Alternatives to Running
• Cardio Alternatives to Running at Home
• Best Cardio Alternatives to a Treadmill 
• Best Cardio for Lifters 
  

STILL NOT SURE?
You don’t have to commit without trying it. HupSix comes with a 30-day full refund—no questions asked. Plus, if life gets busy or it’s just not your thing, you’ve got 12 months to send it back for a prorated return. Need help? We offer 1-on-1 support to answer any questions you have.
Learn more or get the gear.