When you are recovering from an injury, or have a condition that limits your movement, it is important to exercise in a way that is low impact. High impact exercise, such as running or jumping, can put a lot of strain on your joints, tendons and muscles.
While these exercises can help to strengthen your muscles and improve balance, they can also cause pain or inflammation. If you are looking for a workout that is less likely to cause injury or discomfort, then you should try some of the following low impact sports:
Walking Sport
Walking is a great low-impact activity that can be done anywhere and is particularly good for older adults who aren’t yet ready to run. It helps to keep your cardiovascular system healthy and improves your bone strength, too.
Nordic Walking is a low-impact option that involves the use of special walking poles to support your body as you walk, increasing strength and flexibility while decreasing risk of injury.
Swimming is another good low-impact exercise for anyone as it is a full-body exercise that takes advantage of the water’s buoyancy to support you and prevent injuries to your joints. It is a fantastic way to relieve stress and increase your endurance, too.
Biking
Riding a bike is another great all age sports workout that works all the major muscle groups without placing any stress on your joints. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and it can be a wonderful way to see your local area while getting some exercise.
Kayaking, canoeing and rowing are all excellent low-impact activities that involve the entire body and don’t cause any damage to your joints. These types of sports are a good choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Golf
Golf is a low impact sport that doesn’t place as much pressure on the lower body as running or jumping but it still provides a great cardio workout. It also encourages you to get out into the fresh air and is often a social event too, making it ideal for those looking for a new hobby in their older years.
Yoga
Yoga is a great low-impact exercise that uses slow, controlled movements to promote healthy joints and muscles. It is a relaxing and meditative practice that can have a positive effect on your mood, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Tai Chi
The slow, calming movements of tai chi are also very low impact and great for seniors who are looking to stay fit and active. It can help to improve your balance and reduce stress, and it can help to stimulate the release of feel-good endorphins.
Strength Training
Most strength training exercises are low impact and can be done by anyone of any fitness level, whether you are a beginner or an expert. You can even do your own weight resistance exercises and use your own body for resistance, reducing the chance of joint pain.