She Strengthens

Give Your Joints a Break: 21 Low-Impact Cardio Workouts to Try

Are you tired of pounding the pavement, but still want to get your heart pumping and burn calories? Look no further! Low-impact cardio exercises are easier on your joints, can improve mobility, and even reduce the risk of injury. Plus, they’re perfect for any fitness level.

What Are the Benefits of Low-Impact Cardio?

Low-impact exercises offer numerous benefits, including:

• Easier on your joints, reducing the risk of injury
• Improved mobility for when you do engage in high-impact activities
• Better balance and stability
• Weight loss, as aerobic activity boosts metabolism
• Improved overall health and fitness

Low-Impact Cardio Workout Routines to Try

Here are 21 low-impact cardio workouts to get you started:

Home Workouts

1. Bodyweight exercises: Try squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks to get your heart rate up.
2. Low-impact half jumping jacks, squat-to-jabs, and standing oblique crunches
3. Triceps dips using a chair or couch
4. Quiet routine: Cycle through eight exercises that won’t disturb the neighbors

Pilates and Yoga

2. Pilates: Improve core strength and body composition without straining your joints
3. Yoga: Feel the burn without the pain, with poses like Downward Dog and Half Moon

Strength Training

4. Low-impact cardio with weights: Mix and match exercises for shoulders, butt, and more
5. Renegade row, dumbbell side lunge, dumbbell floor press, and dumbbell Russian twist

Gym Workouts

6. Elliptical: Less stress on your legs than a treadmill
7. Stair-climber: Get winded without the high-impact stress
8. Rowing: Work your arms, back, legs, and core without leaving the gym
9. TRX: Total-body resistance exercises using a strap suspension system
10. Step aerobics: A timeless cardio workout without the high-impact stress

Outdoor Workouts

11. Walking: Add intensity with hills or resistance bands
12. Cycling: A great way to get exercise without straining your joints
13. Kayaking: Work your arms and core while enjoying the scenery
14. Tai chi: Improve balance and ward off depression, dementia, and sleep troubles
15. Hiking: Upgrade your walks with low-grade terrain
16. Rock climbing: Use slow, controlled movements to work your muscles
17. Swimming and water aerobics: Lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar
18. Snowshoeing: A low-impact winter workout
19. Rollerblading: Glide on pavement while burning calories
20. Cross-country skiing: Keep the pressure light on your body while improving health
21. Golf: Improve health and fitness with social connection, outdoor time, and movement

Takeaway

Low-impact cardio workouts can have a major impact on your health and fitness. Try incorporating any of these exercises into your routine to improve balance, mobility, and overall well-being.