10 Sports With Surprisingly Low Impact
Low impact sports are important to be aware of. When it comes to injury mitigation, or injury rehabilitation, low impact sports can make all the difference in you remaining active.
1. Swimming
Swimming is such a great activity to build muscle and cardiovascular strength. The buoyancy of the water puts less stress on your muscles and joints. It’s like weight lifting but without the joint pain.
2. Cycling
Cycling is a great form of cardio that does not put a lot of stress on the body. Opt for cycling on the road or bike paths to keep the potential for jolts and bumps down. Try to vary your speed and effort to avoid riding at a constant steady rate.
3. Cross-Country Skiing
Long gone are the days that bombing down hills is the only option for snow related activities. Cross-country skiing is getting more and more popular. This sport is a full-body workout, but is fairly slow paced and has much less risk of falling. The gliding motion of skiing means you can work out all your muscles without paining your joints.
4. Rowing
Rowing targets many large muscle groups while remaining low impact. It can be a great cardio workout. This also translates into canoeing and kayaking, so you can do all of these activities with low impact to your body.
5. Dancing
You can dance the night away, get in a good workout, and be gentle to your joints as well. Dance is basically limitless and you’re sure to find a style that suits you and goes at your pace. Dancing is also one of the best ways to lose weight and build muscle, because it doesn’t really feel like work at all!
6. Hiking
The beauty of hiking is the challenge is largely in your hands. You can select a trail that is adequate to your needs, and hike at the pace that is right for you. As long as you have the proper footwear, you should have a great time hiking. Choose trails with changes in elevation to improve your cardio.
7. Strength Training
Picking up the weights in the gym can seem like recipe for disaster when you’re trying to get in low impact exercise, but that’s not the case. Proper form and lifting weight you’re comfortable with are the best ways to mitigate injury. You can also modify most exercises to lessen their impact. Playing within your limits is the most important part.
8. Golf
Golfing can be a great workout (if you skip the golf cart), and ensures you spend a few hours outside, on your feet, being active. The beauty of golf is the low impact nature of the sport. Just don’t swing too hard, and you should be golden.
9. Pilates
I know, I know. You think of rich LA moms when you think of pilates. Well, they’re onto something. Pilates is a great way to strengthen your core and increase flexibility. It’s also a great workout, so don’t knock it until you try it.
10. The Elliptical
When used right, this guy can get an intense workout in for you. The motion is a similar gliding movement to that of skiing. Depending on the elevation and speed you use you will target different muscle groups. As with all cardio exercises, vary your tempo as you go. Also, wear shoes that fit well. You might slide around in them otherwise, and that’s no fun.
