20 super-fit chicks who don’t run

By Jessica Smith, Shape

Beth Arnold

Beth Arnold

On running: “I once thought that I had to run to be fit, so I avoided exercise most of my life. Luckily, I have good genes and always stayed thin. However, in the past year I decided it was finally time to get in shape.”

What she does instead: Spinning (three times a week) and weight-training classes at the gym (twice a week). “My butt has firmed up, I have abs, and I really feel that I am in the best shape of my life at 34 years old!”

– Beth Arnold, a children’s book author and illustrator in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Michele Carlson

Michele Carlson

On running: “In my overweight and unhealthy days, I always thought that I had to run to lose weight. I mean, runners were skinny, right? Every time I tried to take up running (a little more like light jogging really), I would fail, and it would notch off my self-esteem little by little.”

What she does instead: A combination of boxing, kickboxing, MMA training, barre work, HIIT, weight training, and yoga. “Now 100 pounds lighter, I enjoy using kickboxing as my cardio. I also incorporate HIIT and speed drills (speed ladders, box jumps, bleacher drills, etc.), as well as step. I also love the mini tramp and keep one in my office for when I feel overworked or just a bit ‘blah.'”

Try one of Michele’s favorite workouts at home with this barre routine. It’s designed to help you develop lean muscle mass while improving your balance, flexibility, and range of motion.

– Michele Carlson, a certified master trainer and nutrition consultant

Carla Birnberg

Carla Birnberg

On running: “When I owned my training studio, I’d joke to clients my nickname should be ‘Runs-If-Chased.’ I’ve tried running (I even did a half-marathon on too little training—don’t be me). I long to love to run. I see other writers and bloggers talking about runners high and amazing scenery… I can’t stand running.”

What she does instead: HIIT, weight training, and yoga. “I’m a lazy cardio-er. I do the recumbent bike (typically HIIT sessions) while I tweet, read magazines, and text friends. This works for me and keeps me fit because I’m consistent. I’m an intuitive exerciser so there really is no ‘typical’ week for me; if I have a planned workout and feel tired, I rest. If I have a planned workout and my body needs something different, I change.”

– Carla Birnberg , certified trainer, blogger, AKA MizFit

Read the full article for complete list by Jessica Smith from Shape.