Stop Dreading the Treadmill: My Favorite Cardio Tips for People Who Hate Cardio
By Brooke — Your gym bestie who actually shows up at 5am. Will make you love leg day. ·
Let’s Be Real: Cardio Doesn’t Have to Suck
If you would’ve told me five years ago that I’d be writing a blog post about cardio tips, I probably would’ve laughed—or cried. Back when I was struggling through my teens, dealing with some really gnarly anxiety and a super toxic relationship with food, I viewed cardio as a punishment. It was something I ‘had’ to do to burn off things I ate, or a way to numb my brain when the world felt too loud.
But here we are in July 2026, and I’ve completely flipped the script. Cardio isn't a jail sentence; it’s a tool for your heart, your brain, and your mood. And no, you don't need to spend an hour running at a pace that makes you want to see your ancestors. Let’s talk about how to actually make cardio… dare I say… fun? Or at least, tolerable.
1. Ditch the 'Punishment' Mindset
The biggest reason most of my clients at the gym tell me they ‘hate cardio’ is because they view it as a chore or a penalty. If you’re getting on the elliptical because you feel like you ‘need’ to earn your dinner, you’re never going to enjoy it.
Shift your focus. How does your body feel when you move? When I’m finishing a brisk walk or a light cycle, I’m not thinking about calories. I’m thinking about the fact that my heart is strong enough to pump blood through my body, and my lungs are capable of deep, full breaths. That shift from ‘burning fat’ to ‘building capability’ is everything. If you’re doing cardio, do it to celebrate what your body can do, not to punish it for existing.
2. The 'Low and Slow' Method (LISS is Your BFF)
Everyone thinks cardio has to be high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to ‘count.’ Nope. Not true. In fact, if you go 100% every single time you do cardio, you’re going to burn out—especially if you’re also lifting heavy on leg days (which you know I’ll never let you skip!).
Low-Intensity Steady State (LISS) cardio is my secret weapon. Think incline walking, a steady bike ride, or even a brisk hike up Camelback Mountain. The goal here is ‘conversational pace.’ If you can’t hold a conversation, you’re going too hard. Keep it chill. You’ll feel energized afterward instead of feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck. It’s perfect for recovery days.
3. The 'Podcast or Playlist' Rule
I am a firm believer that cardio is the best time to indulge in your guilty pleasures. I have a strict rule: I only listen to my favorite ‘trashy’ reality TV recap podcasts or my hyper-specific pop-punk playlists while I’m doing cardio.
If you love a specific show, don’t watch it on the couch. Watch it on the treadmill or the stationary bike. Suddenly, you’re not ‘doing cardio’—you’re catching up on your favorite drama, and the 30 minutes just fly by. It’s a sensory hack that works every single time. Associate the movement with something you genuinely love.
4. Don't Underestimate the Power of 'Functional Movement'
Why does it have to be a machine? If you hate the gym floor, get outside. If you’re in Scottsdale like me, you know the heat is no joke in July, so keep it indoors if you have to, but get creative.
Try a dance cardio class, go swimming, or hell, just put on a playlist and clean your apartment for 45 minutes with some intensity. Movement is movement. Your heart doesn’t know the difference between a StairMaster and a high-energy dance session in your living room. The best type of cardio is the one you’ll actually do consistently. If you hate running, please, for the love of all that is holy, stop running. Find something else.
5. Keep it Short and Sweet
You don’t need to be in the gym for two hours. A 15-20 minute heart-pumping session at the end of your lift is plenty for most people. If you’re short on time, try a 'finisher.' Do three rounds of 30 seconds of battle ropes, 30 seconds of mountain climbers, and 30 seconds of wall balls. It’s brutal, it’s fast, and it’s done before you can even talk yourself out of it.
Consistency Over Intensity
Ultimately, the 'best' cardio program is the one that fits into your life without making you miserable. You’re building a lifestyle, not a temporary fix. I’m 23, I’m still figuring out my own balance every single day, and I promise you: there will be days when you just want to skip it. And you know what? That’s okay. Just show up the next day.
What’s your go-to way to get your heart rate up? Are you a podcast walker or a dance-in-the-kitchen person? I want to hear what works for you! Shoot me a DM or leave a comment below—let’s chat about it. I’m always here to help you find your groove.