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Best Low Impact Cardio Workouts for a Healthier Body & Mind

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The days of doing only high-intensity, high-impact workouts are over. Low-impact cardio training is proving to be a superior method of staying fit while prioritising the well-being of your mind and body. While there’s a place for high-impact cardio and intense strength training in your workout routine, they shouldn’t monopolise your fitness regime. Incorporating low-impact cardio is beneficial for everyone and ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded fitness plan. Discover my favourite workout options below!

Article Content

  • What Are Low Impact Cardio Workouts?

  • What Are the Benefits of Low Impact Cardio Workouts?

  • Low Impact Cardio Workout Essentials to Invest In

  • Best Low Impact Cardio Workouts

What Are Low Impact Cardio Workouts?

Low impact cardio workouts effectively increase your heart rate while minimising stress on your joints. These workouts are easy on the body and are a great way to stay active without worrying about potential injury. Low-impact activities are those where at least one foot is in contact with the ground at all times, such as walking or yoga. Low-impact exercise also includes swimming, rowing and cycling. These exercises are suitable for both experienced fitness enthusiasts and those just starting out.

 

It’s important to distinguish low-impact cardio from low-intensity exercise. Low-impact cardio will still make you sweat and get your heart rate up, but the exercises emphasise movements that are easy on the joints. In contrast, high-impact cardio, which includes activities such as running and burpees, often involves lots of jumping and puts a lot of stress on the joints. Low-impact exercises are still excellent for cardio conditioning, ensuring that your heart is working hard while being gentle on your joints.

What Are the Benefits of Low Impact Cardio Workouts?

  1. Reduce anxiety and depression
  2. Help relieve stress
  3. Good for your heart
  4. Gentle on your joints
  5. Reduce your risk of injury
  6. Improve your flexibility and balance
  7. Burn calories
  8. Put less stress on your body
  9. Boost your metabolism

Low Impact Cardio Workout Essentials to Invest In

Resistance bands will help you if you want to make your workout more challenging.

 

Yoga mat is ideal for pilates and yoga when you are exercising at home.

 

Light dumbbells are a great addition to a walk.

 

Ankle weights for walking and stair climbing.

 

Boxing bag set for training boxing in the comfort of your home.

 

Stationary bike is an ideal replacement for a bicycle when it’s cold outside. I highly recommend the DMASUN Exercise Bike.

 

Treadmill like a stationary bike, is a great substitute for running when the weather outside is bad. If you live in a house, I recommend a NordicTrack T .I have one and can’t get enough of it.

Best Low Impact Cardio Workouts

Boxing

Take up boxing, a phenomenal full-body, low-impact exercise. With its fast, explosive movements, boxing targets major muscle groups, sculpting your physique and strengthening your core. This dynamic workout guarantees an accelerated heart rate and an invigorated cardio system and can be done with  a punching bag set.

 

Cycling

Take up cycling, an activity that significantly increases heart rate with minimal impact on the joints. Whether you’re cycling indoors on a stationary bike or outdoors, this exercise helps build strength, reduce body fat and lower stress levels. To increase the cardio aspect, consider cycling at a faster pace or on more challenging terrain. This speedometer will measure exactly how much and how far you’ve travelled.

 

Rowing

Use the rowing machine in the gym or at home for a comprehensive, low-impact cardio workout that targets the arms, back, legs and core. This full-body workout builds strength and endurance and is suitable for all fitness levels while promoting cardiovascular health.

 

Pilates

Try Pilates, a popular low-impact workout known for its effectiveness in sculpting lean muscle, improving posture and strengthening stability. While Pilates does not require peak intensity, it does help burn calories and raise your heart rate, making it an excellent way to tone up and maintain a healthy weight.

 

Walking

Take advantage of the simplicity of walking as an effective way to enjoy some fresh air and physical activity. Although walking is a low-intensity, low-impact form of aerobic exercise, it allows you to adjust your pace, so you can increase the intensity by taking on hills or speeding up. In addition to the physical benefits, walking has positive effects on mental health, increases energy levels and improves cardiovascular fitness.

 

Swimming

Swim to get your heart rate up and strengthen muscles all over your body. This water activity has other benefits, including lowering blood pressure and regulating blood sugar. If you enjoy group fitness, consider joining a water aerobics class to add variety and excitement to your routine.

 

Stair Climbing

Incorporate stair climbing, a highly effective cardio exercise for burning calories. Stair climbing engages the lower body and core, and is easily accessible, requiring only a staircase to perform if you do not have a gym.

 

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