These low-impact cardio exercises, however, are easy on the joints yet very efficient at getting an individual's cardiovascular fitness up. These workouts are very appropriate for people who have issues with their joints or are recovering from injuries, and even those who like a more laid-back approach to cardio. This article gives some low-impact cardio exercises you can practice to keep yourself active and fit while keeping your joints safe.
1. Walking
Walking is one of the easiest, most accessible low-impact cardio exercises that can be done anywhere and is easy on joints. Mix up your walk by adding brisk pacing, hills, or periods of faster walking. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking most days of the week.
2. Cycling
In particular, cycling represents low-impact cardio and is easy on the knees and hips. That works great for an aerobic exercise from riding either in a stationary bike at the gym or outside, with some additional exercises on the lower body. Just as with any other activity, follow through with altering resistance and length based on fitness level and goals desired.
3. Swimming
It is a full-body exercise that works on great cardio and is very gentle on joints. The buoyancy of the water supports your body and reduces impact; hence, it is ideal for those who have issues with their joints. Add in some different strokes and intervals to create variety for an effective workout.
4. Elliptical Trainer
This provides no-impact alternative to running or jogging. The easy, fluid movements of an elliptical machine lessen the stress through the knee and hip joints; however, they provide an excellent cardio workout. Modify the resistance and incline to change your intensity of workout.
5. Rowing
It's easy to see how rowing acts as low-impact cardio exercise that's going to work many muscle groups in your body, such as your legs, core, and upper body. It is one of the best exercise machines that will have you working your entire body with little shock on the joints. Ensure correct technique and gradually build up the intensity of effort as well as the length of the rowing session.
6. Water Aerobics
Water aerobics are conducted in the water and involve the resistance created by the same during exercises to make it low impact. It is either a class or routine in water aerobics by jumping, kicking, and stretching. The buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the joints as it makes an excellent cardio exercise.
7. Step Touches
Step touches are low-impact, and one steps from side to side, lightly touching their feet on the floor. This gets the heart rate up without those jerking movements that may affect your joints. Add some arm movements to it, with light hand weights to step it up.
8. Chair Exercises
Chair exercises are pretty ideal if a person has problems with mobility or joints. Cardio exercises like Seated Marching and Seated Side Leg Lifts will gently increase your cardio while at the same time reducing impact. Do these exercises while sitting on a chair:.
Low-impact cardio exercises can provide excellent alternatives for high-impact exercises and ensure that one can still benefit from proper cardio exercises without stressing the joints too much. You can be physically fit without hurting yourself by simply including walking, cycling, swimming, and rowing activities in your life. Keep yourself active, healthy, and fit with such low-impact options.
