Less is more. Even in fitness. Oftentimes, we feel as if we aren’t really working out if it’s not high intensity. But we’ve found the holy grail of working out and seeing results – low impact workouts. Now, “low impact workouts” don’t mean the effects on our bodies are low. It just means we’re not engaging in exercises that have us moving a whole lot. It’s more controlled, slow paced, and mindful. With this, you really engage parts of your body knowingly. There’s a high chance we won’t be jumping throughout our reps.
Now, let’s talk about why these low impact workouts are so effective and beneficial. When we go for low impact workouts, we’re giving our joints a bit of a break from the high stress that comes from high-intensity workouts. Think of it as being kind to our bodies while still challenging them. This kind of workout reduces the risk of injury and is something we can stick to for a long time without feeling worn out or overwhelmed. And here’s something interesting, just because these workouts are gentler doesn’t mean they’re any less effective at burning calories or building strength. In fact, they can be just as efficient as any high-intensity workout (HIIT), if not more, for those of us looking to stay fit without the high impact on our joints.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s compare with HIIT for a moment. High-Intensity Interval Training certainly has its perks – quick results, calorie crushing sessions, and the happy feeling of accomplishment after an intense workout. However, it’s also demanding on the body, requires recovery time, and isn’t suitable for everyone. On the contrary though, low impact workouts include activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates. There are also some program routines that do include weights, calisthenics and the likes.
They’re actually designed to reduce the strain on our bodies while maximizing our mental and physical health benefits. These are the kind of workouts we can do every day, and they’re inclusive of all fitness levels, which is something really beautiful when you think about it.
What’s fantastic about these low impact workouts is the variety and accessibility. We don’t necessarily need a gym membership or fancy equipment. Many of these exercises can be done at home with minimal gear or outside with nothing but a mat. It’s a fitness app or YouTube video away. It’s all about using what we have to keep our bodies moving in a loving, gentle way.
So, as we journey through our fitness paths, it’s essential we do what works for us. Be open to try out new things, and evaluate the results. Every body is unique, and our workout routines should reflect that. If high intensity is more your groove and your body responds well, that’s wonderful. But if you’re looking to ease into fitness or switch up your routine with something gentler on your body, low impact workouts might just be the perfect fit for you.
Lastly, the most important thing is to love and appreciate our bodies for all the incredible things they allow us to do. Let’s be kind to ourselves, both in how we speak to our bodies and how we treat them through exercise. Remember, fitness is a personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all.
