Let’s face it–the gym can be a very boring place sometimes. One of the main reasons people quit going to the gym is because the redundancy of it can just drain the motivation right out of someone. In order to combat the boredom and still burn those calories, here are 10 fun ways to get your cardio without a treadmill, elliptical machine or exercise bike!

This is by no means a comprehensive list and I’m sure you have a number of ways that work for you. I’d love to hear about them so when you’re done reading, take a second to share your success stories with the rest of the readers.

1. Dive Right In To A Swim

   Swimming can be a great way to work on your abs and your tan at the same time and burn 483 calories per hour! This is a great exercise that will not only trim you down but build muscle at the same time as your arms, legs, chest and abs get a workout with the same exercise. If you do not have access to a pool or the weather is not cooperating, many gyms and community centers have swimming pools that you can use. Also consider calling a school nearby that may provide public swimming hours.

2. Hike To The Store For Smaller Pants

   If you live in a rural area or have a chance to get out of the city, consider going for a hike. Hiking can burn up a great deal of calories while being very relaxing at the same time. The change of scenery will keep you motivated and the number of places to hike are great. Contact your local parks and recreation or search Google for state parks nearby.

3. Get Your Game On With Organized Sports

   Organized sports can be a great way to meet people and you’re sure to burn some calories! A rigorous game of half-court basketball can burn 651 calories per hour while the extra running in soccer can lead to 798 calories burned in a full hour. Your local Parks and Recreation department will likely have adult leagues or considering starting a game night with your coworkers. With just 5 other people, you can get a great game of basketball going in a half-court. Try and get 10 people together for a half-field game of soccer!

4. Hop In That Kayak And Kiss Calories Goodbye

   If you live near a body of water, grab a canoe or kayak and get rowing! This activity gets you out of the confines of your local gym and puts you right in the midst of nature. You’ll burn 339 calories per hour while kayaking at a good pace and your arms and back will get quite a workout as well. For an added workout, row against the current but be sure to wear your lifevest!

5. Keep Those Pedals Turning On Your Bike

   Do you ride the exercise bike at the gym, only to find yourself incredibly bored? Get the same workout on a real bike on a real road! You do not need to spend a lot of money on a bicycle to get a great workout. For even more fun, take the bike to a local park and head out on a trail. The scenery will distract you from the fact that you’re actually doing your cardio exercise! Keeping your heart rate up on a bike will result in up to 693 calories burned per hour.

6. Rollerblade To Keep Your BMI Inline

   Strap those inline skates on and head out for a fantastic cardio workout! If you really go full force, you can burn 725 calories per hour while cruising through your local park or flying down the sidewalk. For even more fun, ask your significant other to come with you and enjoy the time together.

7. May I Have This Dance?

   You’ve seen the people coming off the dance floor looking exhausted before but did you ever consider the great cardio workout they are getting? Dancing can burn 472 calories per hour and may even be an opportunity for you to meet someone special (slow-dancing doesn’t burn calories). This weekend, hit the club and lose some pounds!

8. Class Is In Session At Your Local Gym

   I know, I know. This post is supposed to get you out of the monotony of your gym but you can actually escape the boredom by taking one of your gym’s classes. Most gyms these days offer spinning classes or strength training classes. The music is cranking and the people are having a blast in one big group. The instructor will do a great job keeping you motivated and keep your heart rate high. Get in there, meet some people and burn some calories!

9. Golf To Burn Some Calories?

   Ever play 18 holes in an hour? You can if you find a course that won’t frown on speed golf! The idea is simple–simply play a round of golf while running in between holes. Try not to worry about your game and how you’re playing but instead focus on the cardio aspect of it. There’s no lining up shots here or taking a time out to read the green. Instead, tee up, drive the ball, run to it and keep swinging! This is best accomplished late at night when the course is empty or early in the morning. You really will need a nearly empty course so try playing in the off season.

10. Burn Calories In The Buff

    Who knew how great sex can be as a cardio workout! This activity doesn’t require much motivation at all and can burn 336 calories per hour! I know a full hour might seem a little steep but why not add this workout to any day’s plan? Have some fun and get those calories off! Quick math tells me that even 3 minutes of intercourse can burn 5 calories and those are 5 calories you’ll really enjoy losing!

Any Other Ways Are Welcome In The Comments

This list barely scratches the surface of ways you can get a cardio workout, lose weight and have fun without a treadmill or exercise bike. I’m always looking for new ways to get my cardio in so please leave me your ideas in the comments section below.

I also want to point out that the source for my calories burned calculations can be seen here with this useful calorie calculator.