You’re not happy with your figure, and every time you mention it, you get the same answer: “Just do some cardio!” The trouble is, this kind of exercise really isn’t for you… You don’t enjoy running and you get bored stiff on a bike. So, are there alternatives to cardio for looking after yourself? Here are a few ideas: rethinking your plate, choosing your drinks wisely, moving more in everyday life, focusing on strength training, plus massage devices, food supplements and body care products to massage in.
What is cardio?
First things first, let’s define cardio, short for “cardiovascular”. Cardio covers any longer-duration, moderate-intensity activity that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe faster. The most common cardio activities are running and cycling. Cardio training helps build endurance, improves your heart and lung capacity and increases the energy you use. That’s why it’s recommended so often.
Focus on your plate for balanced nutrition
Without cardio, what you eat remains an important point of reference. If your goal relates to your weight, bear in mind that it all comes down to the balance between what you eat and what you use up. That doesn’t mean starving yourself, but rather eating better.
- Make sure you get plenty of fibre, from fruit (in moderation, as some are very sugary), vegetables (as much as you like), pulses (which can replace some of your animal protein) and wholegrains.
- Include lean protein too, such as white meat, fish or plant-based protein (seitan, soya, quinoa).
- Don’t cut carbs out of your diet: they have their place on a balanced plate. Go for complex carbohydrates (sourdough bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes), as their glycaemic index is lower than that of refined grains.
- Stick to one simple rule: half your plate should be vegetables, a quarter protein and the final quarter carbohydrates.
- A few more everyday tips: favour home cooking, use a smaller plate than usual, never go back for seconds, chew properly and put your fork down between mouthfuls. Give it a try!
- Treat yourself to the odd “cheat meal”. Mind you, we didn’t say stuff yourself! But a square of dark chocolate with your coffee won’t undo your efforts… It’s not about feeling deprived, but about getting back in touch with your hunger, your fullness and your enjoyment of food.
When it comes to drinks, choose wisely
Teas, herbal teas, infusions… Alongside water, you can ring the changes with plant-based drinks. Choose them carefully and check the ingredients so you can make an informed choice. Here are our suggestions:
- A herbal tea, for example one made with green tea, maté and citrus peel, can accompany your days: one cup a day, for a proper break. In the evening, an infusion with meadowsweet takes over.
- A theine-free evening infusion, made with dried plants, fits nicely into your evening ritual. One cup each evening, for a soothing moment. The infusion may contain couch grass and hibiscus, for a feel-good break before bed!
Stay active and move daily
We never stop saying it: it’s often the little things that count. Swapping your “lazy” habits for more active ones means moving more without even thinking about it. You know these classics already, but here they are again:
- Take the stairs instead of the lift. It’s obvious, and yet you don’t do it…
- Walk or cycle to work. And if you take public transport, get off one stop early.
- Rather than flopping on the sofa when you get home, get moving! Just make sure you pick something fun: a walk with the dog, a boogie to your favourite songs, playing with the kids, a bike ride round the neighbourhood… Moving is also a way of treating yourself well!
- Have you heard of integrative fitness? It’s about slipping small, effortless exercises into your daily routine. While watching the latest episode of your favourite series, work your abs by drawing your tummy in each time you breathe out. While cooking, squeeze your glutes at regular intervals. Give it a go, it’s easier than it sounds!
Use massage devices
Why not treat yourself to a massage device? What’s that, you ask? It’s a handheld massager, to be used regularly, that can find its place in your wellbeing routine, no cardio required.
Our Wireless Intelligent Slimming Device is a cordless massage device. Its two complementary heads, one with rollers and the other wave-shaped, deliver an invigorating, enveloping massage. Using it every day can make it a real ritual.
The cordless massager: 2 900 rotations per minute to stimulate your skin
- A deep mechanical massage: rotations and vibrations, up to 2 900 turns per minute, knead the skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bottom
- 2 complementary heads: the ball head kneads deep down, then the wave head smooths and tones the surface
- 5 intensity levels on a touchscreen, a blue light, cordless and quiet
Strength training, an alternative to cardio
We get it: cardio just isn’t your cup of tea. But there are other forms of exercise that come in very handy. We’re thinking of strength training, which isn’t an endurance activity but is another way to keep your body moving. By doing weight training or core work, you work your muscles in a different way. To find out more, read our article on reaching a healthy weight. The bottom line: even without cardio, you still need to move, and weights or plank sessions will be your best friends!
What about food supplements?
Have you ever considered food supplements? And we don’t mean so-called “appetite suppressants” that taste unpleasant and are mostly made of chemical additives, but rather formulas made from plants. Of course, you need to take care when choosing your capsules: check the ingredients carefully, and ask a healthcare professional for advice if in doubt.
Our suggestion: have a look at our capsules. They’re plant-based and vegan: their formula combines sweet pepper, ascophyllum and kola nut. When it comes to your plate, pineapple and artichoke also have their place in a varied diet. And if you have questions about bloating, have a read of our dedicated article too.
Capsules made with chromium, which contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism
- Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism, meaning the sugars, fats and proteins in your meals
- It also contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels
- Dandelion, burdock and artichoke complete the formula
Massage yourself daily
Massages, pure bliss! Why not make them a real ritual? Here are a few “gem” products to massage in…
- Our “Belly and Hip” treatments are massaged onto the tummy and hips. To find out more, read our waist tips and our article dedicated to the tummy. The Cryo Belly Slimming Gel and the Belly Slimming Night Cream are applied by massaging your tummy with small circular movements, the gel in the morning and the cream in the evening, for a real moment of wellbeing.
The cooling gel that leaves the skin on your stomach firmer
- Arctic Algae, Prosveltyl® & Menthol, combined in a formula designed for the stomach and hips
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the fresh sensation last longer
- 🍃 98.3% natural-origin ingredients
The evening treatment with Ginger & Slimsize® for the belly and hips
- Targeted night treatment for belly & hips, to massage in every evening before bed
- Ginger & Slimsize®, with a patented active ingredient at the heart of the formula
- Helps smooth and firm the skin
- For the thighs and bottom, the Cryo Thigh Slimming Gel and the Thighs Night Slimming Cream take over. Daily massages, morning and evening, are a real ritual for looking after these areas.
The cooling gel that leaves thigh skin firmer
- Immediate cooling effect: menthol kicks in as soon as it is applied, then skin is firmer under your fingers (keep the gel in the fridge for even more intensity)
- Caffeine & Lipothetic®, a patented active ingredient, at the heart of a formula designed for thighs and buttocks
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the feeling of freshness last longer
The evening slimming treatment for thighs and buttocks
- Targeted night treatment for thighs & buttocks, to massage in every evening before bed
- A formula with Ginger and Remoduline® (a patented active) to apply every evening
- Helps smooth and firm the skin
No cardio: how much should you budget?
Good news: many of the ideas in this article cost nothing. Building a better plate, cooking from scratch, taking the stairs, walking or cycling to work, doing integrative fitness in front of your favourite series or squeezing in a few plank sessions at home can all be done without any particular kit.
Other options do involve a purchase: tea, infusion, food supplements, a massage device or body care for the tummy and thighs. To check their prices, the easiest thing is to look at each product page. That way, you can put together a routine that suits your preferences… and your budget.
Related articles
- How to slim down your arms?
- Alcohol and weight loss: what you should know
- How to slim down your thighs?
Useful categories: Slimming Tips, Weight Management.
