Low impact exercise: here's why you should try it
“I need a new workout routine.” “I’m new to fitness and don’t know where to start.” “I’m always getting injured. What can I do?” If any of these sound like you, then you might want to try low-impact exercise.
Many people think that low-impact exercise is for people with less mobility or just for beginners. While low-impact exercise is useful for these groups of people, it’s also more than that. Low-impact exercise is for everyone, even if you’ve been training for years. And we’re here to tell you why.
What is low-impact exercise?
Low-impact exercise does what it says on the tin. The impact that your body feels when working out is as low as possible. It’s a way of moving that’s kind to your joints and doesn’t create excess stress on your body. Because of this, it can also be more gentle on your mind, feeling like a workout as well as a ‘work-in’.
There are lots of types of low-impact exercises to choose from, including low-impact cardio and low-impact strength training, which makes it perfect for almost any goal you want to achieve.
At Virgin Active, we’ve got just as many low-impact fitness classes as we have high-intensity options. Our popular Yoga, Pilates and Move Club classes are just some of them.
What are the benefits of low-impact exercise?
When most people hear the word ‘low-impact’ they think that they won’t be challenged, won’t improve their fitness and won’t get a sweat on. (You probably won’t be saying that after a Reformer Pilates class.)
Low-impact exercise classes are just as good for you as more higher impact options, with the added benefit of looking after your joints. It means that knee, wrist, elbow and any other joint pains won’t get in the way of you and:
- Better sleep
- Improved heart health
- Building muscle
- Mental health boosts
- Increased energy
- Strong bones
- Healthy blood pressure
- Managing your weight
When should I do low-impact exercise?
If you’re new to fitness, low-impact classes are a good place to start to get familiar with your body and what it can do. If you prefer your workouts at a more gentle pace or are looking for movement that’s kind to your joints every time, there’s no reason you ever have to stop low-impact exercise. It can be your go-to.
If you’re more into your high-impact sports and fitness, we’re not saying you need to stop. We’re glad you’ve found what works for you. That said, low-impact exercise could be useful on your recovery days. It’s gentle enough to allow your body and muscles to rest while preventing injury and also helping increase your heart rate.
What’s the best low-impact exercise for me?
At Virgin Active, we’ve got plenty of options. From low-impact cardio to low-impact strength training, find your perfect fit.
- For flexibility and calming your mind, try Yoga
- For strength building and flexibility, try Reformer Pilates
- For improved core strength and mobility, try Pilates
- For mobility in a tighter body, try Move Club
- For a solo full-body aerobic exercise, try swimming
- For improving your range of motion and flexibility, try our stretch areas on the gym floor
Find all of this and more at your nearest Virgin Active club. We look forward to seeing you around!
Ready for your next workout? Check out all the group exercise classes available at Virgin Active.
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