If you’re looking for ways to increase your fitness but you are worried about the impact it might have on your joints, then there are still several great options for full-body workouts that are low-impact. From golfing to rowing, we’re going to cover 5 of the best options for those looking for low-impact sports and exercises, to help you find the option for you.
GOLF
If you’re looking for an incredibly popular sport for people of all ages, golf could be the answer due to its benefits for mental health as well as keeping you more active. Although it requires some agility to get a swing when hitting the ball, there is very little other impact involved with playing. You might be spending long periods of time stood up though, so it’s a good idea to treat yourself to some golf clothing from Function18 to help you stay comfortable. Golf can also be a relaxing sport to take part in, as it’s not as fast-paced as other sports and encourages you to spend time outside in green spaces.
SWIMMING
One of the best options for those that need a form of exercise that won’t put pressure on their joints is swimming. Swimming reduces the pressure placed on your joints at the same time as strengthening your muscles and giving you a whole-body workout. It also helps improve cardiovascular health with a gentle cardio workout. It can be a great option for exercise for those with conditions such as arthritis or some mobility issues. It’s very often used for people and even animals that have been injured or lost their muscle strength and need a gentle form of exercise to build their strength again. As well as indoor swimming pools, many people enjoy swimming outdoors if they have access to a nearby outdoor swimming pool. Wild swimming has also become increasingly popular with lovers of swimming and nature. Just be sure you’re choosing safe and responsible locations when wild swimming as it could potentially be dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions.
HIKING
For those that love being amongst nature, there aren’t many better ways to get a good workout than to go for a hike in the countryside. Hiking is a great way to work out, improving muscle strength while also offering a great cardiovascular workout. It can also be a better option for a low-impact workout than other exercises such as running as it is far less damaging to the joints. Many people may think that walking doesn’t offer enough exercise, but it’s surprisingly effective at improving fitness levels and burning calories. A fast-paced walk is a great alternative to running if you want to save any risk of wear and tear or injury to your joints. You’ll also get the opportunity to get out into nature and explore new places at the same time. Being outside in green and open spaces has been proven to be beneficial for our mental health, helping to reduce stress levels and help with anxiety. Hiking is a great way to combine benefits for your physical health while also helping to give your mental health a boost at the same time.
CYCLING
Cycling is a very popular sport for those invested in their overall physical health. Although you’re sitting down, it gives you a full-body workout and is a great way to improve cardiovascular health. If you’re looking to lose weight and tone, it can be a great sport for toning your whole body, particularly the legs and core. Another bonus of cycling is that it can help you get from A to B without the need for adding emissions and pollution to the atmosphere. So, not only will you be getting a great workout, but you’ll be also helping the environment at the same time. Although it makes a good solitary workout, you could also consider joining a cycling group to socialise and meet other like-minded people. It’s important to make sure you have the right gear to get started with cycling. You’ll need to choose the right bike for you depending on whether you’ll be cycling on the road or off the beaten track. An essential that you definitely need to purchase is a high-quality helmet to help ensure you’re protected as best as possible if you fall. If you’re cycling at night, make sure you have lights and reflective accessories on yourself and your bike to ensure drivers can see you on the road. Cycling doesn’t place as much pressure on your joints as other workouts can, but it’s important to bear in mind the potential risk of injury if you should fall or have a collision.
ROWING
Rowing is a popular workout both outdoors and in the gym. It’s a great way to improve your arm and core strength at the same time as getting a cardiovascular workout. Many people use rowing machines in the gym, and it’s a great way to improve your stamina and increase your strength. However, there are many benefits to outdoor rowing if you can access it. It’s also a great exercise if you enjoy being social and working as a team with others. It mostly uses upper-body strength, so it’s a good option for those with knee joint issues.
