Finding the right exercise for you can make a world of a difference. However, unless you have a good understanding of the two kinds of exercise and how they affect the body, it can be difficult to pick the right one for your needs. Generally speaking, you can categorize exercises as low-impact and high impact exercises.
With low-impact exercise which you may or may not need equipment for, nearly anyone can do it. People walking on the treadmill in Planet Fitness is a common sight. Low-impact cardio can be further divided into low, moderate, or high intensity. With strength training, there is also low impact exercises which basically uses body weight instead of heavy weights. Whatever fitness level you are in or how old you are, you can find low impact exercises to help strengthen your body, meet your weight loss goals, improve balance and mobility, and your overall fitness.
Here are the main reasons you should consider low impact exercises:
1. It gives you most of the health benefits of high impact workouts without the risk of injury.
Low-impact exercise has been proven to provide many health benefits of high-impact exercise without having to worry about weak joints and injuries. You get the benefit of stronger heart and lungs, better endurance and greater protection against illnesses and diseases. Just like high impact workouts, it boosts metabolism, prevents low blood pressure, protects against diabetes, and enhances mental health.
2. It usually doesn’t require expensive machines or equipment.
Many of these exercises do not require any equipment so it’s a great option for those who can’t afford to buy expensive exercise equipment or get a gym membership.
3. You can workout anywhere.
Because it does not need any fancy equipment it means you can exercise at home, in the office or even while traveling.
4. It’s a good starting point in your fitness journey.
Low cost, low risk and a lot easier to try than high impact workouts, doing low impact exercises will make it a lot easier for you to stick to your fitness routine long-term.
5. It’s a good way to de-stress and relax.
Low impact workouts provide a more relaxing exercise that also helps you wind down after each session. Unlike high impact exercises which causes your heart rate to remain elevated even after you’re done, you can rest and sleep easier with low impact exercises.
6. It helps you manage pain.
Low-impact exercise is recommended for those who have chronic pain conditions, like lower back pain and arthritis as it strengthens the bones, muscles as well as tendons and tissues around the joints, to prevent inflammation and swelling in the body.
7. It improves your range of motion.
As we get older, the joints and muscles begin to stiffen and break down, which can lead to movement limitations and difficulties. Low impact exercise can help address mobility issues, by strengthening the hips, joints, knees and ankles to help keep you moving in your golden years. By consistently doing low impact exercises you will have a better quality of life when you get older.
Try this low impact workout for beginners: