High-impact activities can worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. By doing low-impact exercises you can get almost similar health benefits minus the joint pain. Here are 5 low impact exercises to do every day that will help keep you fit and healthy:
- Walking: Walking is one of the most popular low-impact exercises. It works your cardiovascular system, helps you burn calories, and keeps your waist-line in check. You can increase the intensity of your workout by either adding short bursts of speed walking or walking up an inclined surface.
- Cycling: This is a great aerobic exercise that works out all the muscles in your lower body while being easy on your hips and knees. Make sure the handlebar and the saddle are properly adjusted for your height or you could injure yourself.
- Rowing: This non-weight bearing exercise is an effective full body workout for those with joint concerns. The smooth gliding movements of the rowing machine ensure your joints are well protected while toning up all the major muscles in your body and improving endurance.
- Swimming: Swimming is one of the most joint-friendly exercises as the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on the joints. At the same time, the water provides enough resistance to give your muscles a good workout. Try swimming at a continuous pace for improved heart health.
- At Home Circuit Training: Circuit training involves doing a series of exercises with little or no rest between the exercises. Each exercise in the circuit should target a particular muscle such as push-ups for the chest, pull-ups for your back, squats for your legs, and crutches for your abs. The result is a workout that provides maximum health benefits in the shortest amount of time.
Of note, it may be a good idea to get a health checkup if you are just getting started with exercise or have a pre-existing health condition.
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