Lachlan Cornell
If you’re new to working out, just getting back into the game, or have concerns with joints or injuries, low-impact cardio is a safe and effective method of exercise. Low-impact exercises focus on keeping one foot on the ground and alleviating stress or pressure on your joints. But be warned — just because it’s low-impact, doesn’t mean you won’t be sweating!
Here are some low impact exercises for you to try. See which one is best for you and then continue it.
-Swimming – swimming is considered a ‘no impact’ exercise
-Elliptical – like swimming, elliptical is also considered ‘no impact’
-SUP (stand up paddle) boarding
-Rowing machine (or actual rowing)
-Low impact cardio class (most gyms offer these)
-Walking – never underestimate the power of a brisk walk
-Cycling
-Strength training (most gyms off strength training classes)
-Tai Chi
-Yoga
-Pilates
-Golf – it’s not just for retirees and pros and t even has lots of mental health benefits due to the social aspect.
Risk of high impact exercises
High-impact exercise is one the most effective ways to burn more calories since its easier to get your heart rate up when your running and jumping all over the place. High-impact exercise also strengthens bones. Experts know that subjecting bones to stress, like high impact exercise, causes them to add mass in response. It’s a high-risk high reward situation. If you are confident in your technique and ability then high-impact exercise may be more beneficial to you. Just always make sure you feel safe and secure whilst perfuming any type of exercise. Focus on core strength and stability over speed.
Low-impact from home
If joining a gym is not for you or you are confined to your home, there are plenty of low-impact home exercises that you can do to stay in shape. Let’s take a look at six of these exercises and then I will link a tutorial for them below.
-Low-impact jumping jack
-Skaters
-Squat to jab
-Standing oblique crunch
-Lateral shuffle
-Reverse lunge front kick
All of these are perfect if your’re worried about your bodies ability to withstand high-impact exercises or maybe you just prefer working out at home and don’t want to buy all those bulky gym machines. Nicole Davis is a Boston based writer and personal trainer, view her thoughts and tutorial on these exercises here.
Lachlan Cornell
Freelance Writer
rainbearwriting.com