Importance of low impact exercises!
Many Individuals with medical conditions such as joint pain, arthritis, or chronic diseases find exercising very straining and unpleasant. It’s essential to remember that proper exercise can relieve many of the difficulties and pains that come with these conditions. While high impact exercises like running, jumping, or walking may not be a viable option, low impact exercises are a wonderful way to get in shape and stay healthy no matter the age or medical condition.
What are Low-Impact Exercises?
These are exercises that do not strain the legs, knees, feet, or other joints. While high Impact exercises raise your heart rate, build endurance, and get blood flowing, it also puts a lot of pressure and stress on your body.
Low impact exercises are especially useful for those that are recovering from an injury, beginners, battling joint pains or chronic diseases, women who are pregnant, or overweight people. If you already have a medical issue as, high impact exercises may do more harm than good.
Common Low Impact Exercises
There are a numerous exercises you may find useful. Some of these workouts include walking, hiking, and step aerobics. You can do low impact exercises anywhere,at home, in the gym, or outdoors. Exercise machines such as the elliptical, bike, or Stairmaster provide you an excellent, low impact workout and be sure to monitor the work you have completed along with your heart rate. If you prefer a class, there are numerous group and individual classes you can sign up for like step aerobics, that can give you a good workout in an encouraging environment. Even though exercises are low impact does not mean they will not get your heart racing and you into shape.
Getting More From Low Impact Exercises
If you are used to doing high impact exercises, or just aren’t getting the results you want, there are numerous ways to heighten your low impact routine.
You could add ankle weights, wrist weights, or a backpack to raise your heart rate. For exercises such as hiking, biking, or walking, you could go uphill or go at a faster pace. You could also trying using parts of the body you aren’t already using. For example, while walking, swing your arms or hold them over your head.
Preparing for Your Exercise
It is important that you stretch and hydrate before any exercising. If you have a specific medical issue, you should protect this part of your body. For example if you have knee problems, you should wear an orthopedic knee brace while exercising. Or if you are diabetic, it may be useful to get specialized diabetic athletic footwear. If you aren’t sure your body can handle the exercise, you should consult a doctor first.