Sometimes the most nourishing thing we can do for our body is engage in low-impact exercises. These are effective in raising the heart rate just enough to circulate blood flow without increasing overall muscle and joint strain. Many choose low-impact exercises in periods of rest and recovery, but there are many other advantages as well. Let’s look at some easygoing activities you can choose when you need exercise but don’t want to induce stress. Any one of these exercises might change your life.
Consider an Electric Bicycle
An electric bicycle provides low-impact exercise and an eco-friendly transportation method. Electric bikes are taking the market by storm because they offer a faster-paced alternative to local commutes and give you all the same feelings as a traditional bicycle.
Those with decreased mobility or seniors love using electric bicycles for low-impact movements because the power assist reduces knee strain and increases motion. Ensure you invest time and energy into learning about electric bikes and their general use before buying one.
Take Up Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise that can move the body without inducing joint or muscle stress. You will use all your muscles and move your joints, but the water will eliminate gravity and help you become more agile. Swimming will increase your heart rate without wearing your body down, so this is an excellent option for someone seeking cardio without running miles.
Become a Yogi
Something truly unique about yoga is how mindful it is of the body. You can move your poses and stretch your muscles to your natural ability, and because of that, it is a popular low-impact exercise.
The majority of yoga practice is learning how to breathe correctly and slow the body down with quality stretching in the mix. There are not many wrong ways to do yoga, so it’s an excellent choice for somebody seeking a new exercise routine.
Go Roller Skating
Roller skating is not typically on everyone’s must-try list of exercises, but it is low impact enough that it can provide many benefits to those who enjoy it. You can get a pair of rollerblades or skates, whichever you prefer.
This type of low-impact exercise is an excellent calorie burner. People enjoy this exercise because it works the hips, thighs, and glutes. It’s a practical yet compelling way to increase your exercise efforts and reduce your bodily stress. And it may help you learn to love low-impact exercise and feel like a kid again.
Engaging in low-impact exercises will look different for everyone. The goal is to move the body and circulate the blood without feeling like you were hit by a bus the next day. It’s essential to remember to go at your body’s pace!
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.