Easy & Enjoyable Workouts for All Ages
A good cardio exercise keeps our hearts and lungs healthy. It can also
help us lose weight, improve our mental health, and give you energy throughout
the day. However, contrary to what many individuals believe, cardio workouts
don’t have to always constitute rapid or intense movements. Every
body is different and needs varied intensities when it comes to physical
activities. If the usual cardio workouts such as running or sprinting
tire you out easily or cause you pain in your joints, you may want to
try low-impact cardio exercises. These types of workouts are easy on your
body but still keeps your heart pumping.
Yoga
If you want a low-impact cardio workout that can also improve your breathing
and mental health, you may want to try doing yoga. This ancient practice
helps increase flexibility, muscle strength and tone without the pain.
No matter your age, gender, or fitness level—yoga is for everyone!
For a more uplifting experience, you may also want to try aerial yoga.
Walking/Hiking
Walking is the easiest way to move. With just 10,000 steps each day, you
can expect a potential 3,000 calories burned every week. To get started
or motivated, you may want to get yourself one of those wearable techs
or pedometers. However, if walking does not give you that much challenge,
you may also try hiking. There are many different terrains that you can
try depending on the intensity you’re looking for. It can even give
you an easy 10,000 steps or more with just one trip.
Cycling
Since we were little kids, riding a bike has always been a great feeling.
But do you know that cycling is also a great low-impact cardio? If you
think cycling only targets your lower body, think again! Cycling is actually
a full-body workout that utilizes several muscle groups in your body.
It strengthens your core, tones your arms, legs, buttocks, as well as
your back. You even have the choice to do it outdoors or indoors with
a static bike.
Swimming
If you want a cooler workout with no sweat, try hitting the pool. Swimming
is a great workout because everything feels lighter and easier in the
water. But because of the breathing required when you swim, it easily
gets your heart pumping. Swimming is best for injured athletes or for
overweight individuals who need to take it easy on their joints. This
low-impact cardio exercise is not only good for your heart and lungs,
it can also help you sculpt a strong back, shoulders, and arms.
Rowing
If you want something out of the ordinary, you may want to try rowing.
This low-impact cardio exercise works about 84 percent of your muscles
including your arms, back, core, and legs without even having to stand
up. In Los Angeles, you have the option to join classes that perform this
type of exercise on actual row boats. However, you also have the choice
of doing it indoors with a rowing equipment.
These are just five of the many low-impact cardio exercises that you can
try. If any of these still cause you pain or discomfort, you may ask for
recommendations from your health care provider about which low-impact
cardio workout is most suitable for your body’s needs. Remember,
exercise should make you feel good, not cause you injuries.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.