If you want to start working out but are cautious about the pounding that might occur to your joints, you aren’t alone. Higher impact workouts can certainly jolt the body in ways that might not suit your health and fitness goals. Thankfully, this is where lower impact activities come into play.
Just because a workout is low-impact doesn’t mean that you won’t reap any benefits; in fact, some lower impact exercises can have you sweating and pumping your heart more than you think! This type of exercise essentially removes the element of jarring that would typically occur to your joints with activities like running or jumping.
Other benefits of low-impact workouts include increasing your strength and endurance and improving your flexibility and mobility. Low impact workouts also give you the option for active recovery without the pounding on the joints and allow those who may have an injury to continue working out without the concern of impacting the joints negatively.
Swimming might be one of the top exercises that come to mind when thinking of low-impact activities. And it’s undoubtedly one of the top most popular ways to exercise in the US today. But what if you don’t have access to a pool?
That’s where cardio equipment is helpful – and these machines can give you a whole body, heart-pumping workout, all while being easy on the joints. Whether you are using these machines at your local fitness center or plan to incorporate one into a home gym, you can be assured that your joints will be resting easily – while your heart, lungs, and muscles get a solid workout!
Low Impact Cardio Equipment
Ellipticals
Along with treadmills, ellipticals seem to be one of the most popular pieces of cardio equipment at the gym and a perfect addition to a home gym. Normally ranging anywhere from $130 up to $8,000, ellipticals are wonderful if you want to mimic the motion of walking or running but don’t want the pounding on your joints. This machine allows you to stand and move your legs (and your arms, depending on the device), but your feet don’t leave the pedals.
Excellent for weight loss, active recovery, lower body strength, and cardiovascular endurance, ellipticals are also a good option for those looking to improve coordination and balance and can give you a way to maintain your current fitness level if you are recovering from an injury.
Cycling Bikes
Indoor cycling bikes come in wide varieties – from upright and recumbent to air bikes and Spin cycles. The choices that you have if you want to pedal indoors are extensive! Depending on the type of bike you’re wanting, the price ranges anywhere from $200 up to the $4,000’s. Cycling bikes allow you to build cardiovascular endurance, as well as strength within the lower body. The core is also utilized, along with the upper body, depending upon what type of bike you are using.
If you’re in an area where inclement weather can adversely affect your training (and thus, your outdoor rides), then a cycling bike can certainly be an option to help you train. Weight loss is also a significant benefit of indoor cycling, especially if you incorporate intervals into your training programs.
Rowing Machines
Thankfully, you don’t need to be an elite rower or have any experience on the water to use a rowing machine. While some rowers start at $250, they can be seen upwards of $2,500, depending on the type. Some rowing machines utilize fan blades for resistance, while others use magnetics or even water tubs to give you the feeling of being on the water.
Rowing machines are a full-body workout and can strengthen and tone just about everywhere, making it an extremely efficient workout. If you’re brand new to rowing, don’t let it intimidate you – this cardio machine is perfect for anyone looking to increase cardiovascular endurance, strengthen muscles, improve power output, and even boost your mood.
Bottom Line
Regardless of what type of fitness equipment you choose to use, ensure that it’s the right fit for you and your fitness goals. You can also alternate between several pieces (especially if they are available to you in a fitness center) to determine what you enjoy and what feels best. Either way, you’re sure to have a heart-pumping workout while staying in a low-impact zone!
