Wednesday 2 October 2013

Workout with Low-Impact Exercises to Get Fit and Burn Calories

Low-impact exercises can prove to be a very effective way of getting fit and burning calories, without the risk of injury that comes with the more higher-impact workouts.  Low-impact exercises are much easier on the joints and are therefore less likely to cause impact-type injuries more common with high-impact workouts (such as sprains and tears to joints and cartilage).

Low-impact exercising can help to improve your overall health, lower the risk of heart disease, tone up the body, and burn calories. 

Low-impact exercises are ideal for people who are:

  • New to exercising
  • Overweight
  • Elderly
  • Recovering from a health issue but have been advised to take some exercise
  • Have suffered from an injury in the past but wish to continue exercising in a more gentle way to lesson the risk of recurring injury 

Popular Low-Impact Exercises:

Walking

Walking has to be the most popular low-impact exercise for the majority of people.  You can start off with short walks at a slow pace and gradually increase the length of the walk and the pace at which you walk, so that you are gradually increasing the intensity of this exercise.  Walking is a great exercise to help improve your cardiovascular system.

Cycling

Cycling is a great low-impact exercise that can be performed outdoors on a bicycle or indoors on an exercise bike.  Start off with short cycle rides on flat surfaces, and gradually increase the length of time you cycle and add in the odd hill!  Cycling gives a good lower body workout, helps to increase muscle strength, and is another great exercise that helps to improve your cardiovascular system.

Ensure that you choose the correct size bicycle or exercise bike for you and that it is set up correctly for your height.  This will help to avoid over-stretching to reach pedals and handlebars which could put stress on your back and other joints if the bike is not set at the right position.  Also, remember to try out the seat on a bike before purchasing – you’ll find there’s quite a difference in the size and hardness of seats on different bikes.  If you don’t feel comfortable you will be put off cycling!

 Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike, workout with low impact exercises to get fit and burn calories
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If you are one of the many people who suffer from a bad back, you might want to consider a Recumbent Bike instead of a normal exercise bike.  Recumbent exercise bikes have a proper sized adjustable seat with lumbar support in the back of the seat, making them ideal for people with back problems.  They feature a step-through design, so there is no having to climb up and on to the seat as you would with a normal exercise bike.

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike, workout with low impact exercises to get fit and burn calories
Ad >>Click here to buy the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike at a low price online<<


Elliptical Cross Trainers

Elliptical Cross Trainers are a great way of getting an all-round low-impact workout.  Elliptical Trainers are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.  They work by simulating the motions of walking, cycling and skiing, while your feet remain in the pedals.  The dual-action of Elliptical Trainers means you can give your upper and lower body a workout at the same time. The smooth action of Elliptical Trainers creates much less impact on your knees, hips and back compared to Treadmills. Elliptical Trainers are another great way to help improve your cardiovascular system.

Horizon Fitness EX 69 2 Elliptical Trainer, workout with low impact exercises to get fit and burn calories
Ad >>Click here to buy the Horizon Fitness EX-69-2 Elliptical Trainer at a low price online<<


Swimming

Swimming is a great low-impact exercise, giving your whole body a good workout.  Swimming helps to tone up your entire body by working the majority of your muscles.

If you’re one of those people who can swim a little, but don’t like to go in the deep end, why not try Water Aerobics.  Water aerobics is mostly performed in water around waist-high, and involves exercises such as walking forwards and backwards in the water, jumping, arm exercises, and skiing type movements.

Dancing

Dancing has become more popular in recent years, thanks to programmes like “Dancing with the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing”.  Dancing is great for people of all ages and gives you the benefits of a low-impact workout while having fun!

Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that consists of slow controlled movements that help to improve your posture and build up muscle strength.  Pilates is a very relaxing form of exercise, helping to calm the mind as well as giving your body a gentle exercise to improve your body’s overall flexibility.  It’s a great way to improve your overall sense of well-being.

Stamina AeroPilates Reformer with Free Form Cardio Rebounder, workout with low impact exercises to get fit and burn calories
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Yoga

Like Pilates, Yoga is a great low-impact exercise that helps to improve both your body and mind. Yoga focuses on breathing exercises coupled with various body postures.  It helps to improve your body’s overall strength and flexibility, as well as relaxing your mind.


NB: It is advisable to consult your doctor/health care professional before embarking on any new diet or exercise regime.

See also Health & Fitness Benefits of Low-Impact Exercise

*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.


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