Low-impact cardio is the perfect exercise for anyone who needs to give their joints a break, but still want some form of workout. It’s much less intense than high impact exercises like running and swimming which can be harmful on your health so it's great if you've been avoiding these types due injury or simply lack interest in them because they're too difficult.
Flexibility and recovery are key when it comes to exercising on sore joints. If you’re injured, always make sure that the exercise is safe for your specific injury before starting.
What is low-impact cardio?
Low impact cardio is a great way to keep your joints healthy by minimizing the amount of stress you put them under while still getting an effective workout. This type exercises typically avoid high intensity moves that could cause damage, such as running or jumping squats with lots of leg action.
The best way to increase your heart rate is with cardio exercises like running or biking. These activities make you breathe faster and deeper because they require more oxygen, which helps keep muscles functioning properly! As an added bonus low-impact workouts will also allow for joint protection without placing any extra stress on them while still reap all the benefits of a good sweat session (and who doesn't love that?).
The key difference between high-intensity and low intensity exercises is the amount of exertion. High impact workouts will still allow you break a sweat, but may not elevate your heart rate as much when done on bikes or rowing machines without feet touching ground at all! That’s why joint friendly routines like these can help reduce risk for injury while maintaining quality training time under pressure (perception).
The benefits of low-impact cardio
- Easier on your joints
Low impact cardio allows you the chance not only maintain your joints, but also build them up well. It's ideal for those who have chronic conditions or injuries that make high-impact workouts uncomfortable - or just need an occasional break.
- Improved mood
Low impact cardio can increase production of endorphins, which are associated with improved mood. Even a gentle walk will provide the same benefits as high-impact exercises like running or jogging because they all release this natural substance in our body to make us feel happy and contented.
- Cardiovascular fitness
Cardio exercise is an important part of your health routine. It can help improve heart function, which in turn protects you from developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as well.
Aerobic exercises are the best choice if time allows because they provide a longer-lasting benefits than other types - but even short bursts (like running) still have their place when it comes down to overall wellness.
- Keep active on a rest day
It is important to allow your muscles and nervous system time for recovery after a workout. Rest days are the perfect way of doing this, as low impact cardio workouts like walking or cycling can be great ways keep you moving while also having an active rest day.
- Sustainably build strength and endurance
Learning how to control your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle can be difficult for people with chronic conditions such as arthritis or high blood pressure. Fortunately, low-impact exercises like yoga are one way of staying fit without putting unnecessary strain on joints that could lead them down the path towards flowering into doctors instead.
Low-impact cardio workouts
There are a variety of low-impact workouts out there that can be considered cardio. Some might have you wondering, "What kind?" below is an extensive list with some great options and best exercise equipment for getting your heart rate up.
- Walking
You can do a lot of things while walking. You may think that it's just an easy way to get exercise, but there are so many benefits for your health! Walking has been shown in studies as being better than jogging at improving heart function and reducing inflammation - which makes you feel less stiff during the day no matter what activity or stress level setting suits best for you.
- Cycling
Cycling is a fantastic, low-impact exercise routine that will get your heart rate up with virtually no risk to joints. You can do this at home or in the gym using bikes; if not then there are also options for taking yours outside on rides! The faster you go and hills climb - so let's say cycling quickly through neighborhoods instead of driving around town--the higher intensity workout becomes since it requires more effort than just pedaling away steadily roadsides.
If the weather's too bad to cycling outside, YOSUDA's indoor cycling bikes allow you to exercise at home! There're a variety of bike options for you to get one that's suitable for you and your family!
- Swimming
swimming is a great form of low-impact cardio, and if you live near the ocean it can be even better. Not only does this activity get your heart rate up but swimming also helps strengthen muscles throughout all parts of our body.
- Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a stationary exercise device that offers low impact and can be used for both arm workouts as well leg work. The moving nature of this piece makes it an excellent way to get your whole body working together in sync with each step you take.
- Rowing
Rowing is another form of full-body, low impact cardio that will help you to build strength and endurance over time. This exercise can be done on either a rowing machine or by going out in boat but it's very beneficial because not only does this work your arms muscles which creates shoulder width while pulling back with each stroke; these same strokes also engage other parts such as lower back region too.
Don't know where to get one for home? YOSUDA provides two kinds of rowing machine (8-level and 16-level resistance systems) for you, which meet both your basic and professional needs.
- Yoga
Yoga has been shown to cause heart rate increases with minimal joint strain. More intense yoga flows, like Vinyasa-type classes are still low impact but can make you sweaty and breathe deeply enough for an elevated workout.