Low Impact Ways to Stay Fit
If you’re just beginning your fitness journey, or you’re recovering from an injury, it’s important to incorporate more low impact exercises into your workout plans in order to allow your body to gradually adjust. Low impact exercises are designed to be easier on your joints and muscles. However, low impact doesn’t mean low intensity. In fact, low impact works out are one of the best ways to stay fit and active. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some exercises to help you stay fit while taking it easy.
Swimming
Swimming is praised as one of the absolute best low impact sports. In fact, most athletes alternate between regular training and swimming in order to reduce the wear and tear on their body. Swimming is also popular for heavier people who struggle with high impact sports like running or the elderly. It’s more than just beneficial though. Swimming is a fun activity that can also allow you to involve your entire family and your friends. It feels more like having fun than it does working out, even though it is one of the most beneficial workouts for your body.
Walking
While jogging will get your heartbeat up fast, walking has its own benefits. First of all, as a low impact activity, it’s much gentler on your knees, ankles, and joints than jogging and running. It can also offer an abundance of mental benefits. A stroll through the park on a nice day can boost your mental health tremendously. You can also make walking a social activity. Take your pet on a walk or invite your friends. If you work in an office, you can even host walking meetings rather than sitting.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the best activities for everyone – the elderly, fitness beginners, pregnant women, and even children. Also, since it is mostly stretching, it’s very easy on your body. It’s gentle on your joints and, so long you perform each pose carefully and slowly, it’s more relaxing than it is strenuous on your muscles. That doesn’t mean it won’t get your heart pumping, though. Yoga involves holding each pose, which is known as an asana, for a period of time. This can be anywhere from a few seconds to even a few minutes. The held position, even though it is low impact and gentle, will get your heartbeat up, helping you to remain fit.
Planks
When it comes to a broad view of low impact activities and exercises, planks are very similar to yoga in that they involve you holding a certain position that is gentle on your body for a period of time. Planks can be much more strenuous than yoga at times, though. They engage your entire body and work to tone your core, legs, arms, and back. Even after holding a plank for a minute, you’ll find your heart beating. Your body may be sore for the next few days after an intense session, but you still won’t have to worry about the activity being harsh on your joints.
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