Every once in a while you should give your body a break from pounding the pavement, whether you're running, dancing, or playing sports. But before you take this as a sign to sink even deeper into the sofa, try a low-impact workout. They're easier on your body—your joints will thank you—and they can be a great way to get in a heart-pumping workout without worrying too much about injuries.
Most trainers define low-impact as any exercise where one foot stays on the ground at all times. But rather than doing single-leg dead lifts until keeling over, we rounded up 21 low- (or no!) impact exercises worth trying:
1. Walking
Walking is a stress-free way to get moving. If taking a lesiurely stroll is too easy, there are plenty of ways to add intensity: Hit the hills or add weights (try dumbbells or ankle weights) to really get that heart rate up.
2. Elliptical
Sorry, treadmills. Ellipticals take the cake when it comes to putting less stress on your legs. Try spicing up your routine on the elliptical with a 20-minute interval workout.
3. StairMaster
Feel winded every time you go up a set of stairs? It's time to get acquinated with the StairMaster. No gym nearby? No problem. Any old stairs will work—just follow this workout.
4. Strength training
We already have a list of 19 reasons to strength train, and here's one more: Most strength training exercises are low impact, and they still work up a sweat. (Keep in mind monster box jumps wearing a weighted vest don't exactly qualify.)
5. Cycling
We've loved biking ever since we finally took off our training wheels. It just so happens to be a great way to fit in some exercise without putting a strain on your joints. And you don't even need to sign up for an indoor cycling class to see results. Try this 30-minute at-home cycling workout.
6. Rowing
Here's a super-easy way to get in some cardio while also pretending that you're soaking up some sun on a boat. Of course, the florescent lights in the gym eventually snap you back to reality. But at least you'll be working out your arms, back, legs, and core. (Give this 30-minute rowing workout a go.) Score!
7. Kayaking
Want to actually hit the water? Grab a kayak and jump in (or maybe don't jump in, if you want to stay dry)! Kayaking works your arms and core (no crunches necessary), and you can see some stellar sights along the way.
8. Tai Chi
This gentle, fluid movement improves flexibility and may even ward off headaches. (Whether that includes hangover headaches is unclear.)
9. Hiking
Looking to upgrade your walks? Take a hike! To keep things low impact, start with low-grade terrain. Save climbing Everest for later.
10. Rock climbing
Climbing requires slow, controlled movements, which means your muscles get a serious workout without the added strain.
11. Yoga
The ancient practice will have you feeling the burn without feeling the pain. So add some downward dogs and half moons to your fitness routine. Or try aerial yoga to really take your practice to new heights.
12. Pilates
You aren't going to get a strong core by doing crunches all day long. Try Pilates instead—plus, you'll seriously improve your flexibility without putting too much strain on your joints.
13. TRX
TRX gets its name because it lets users do total-body resistance exercises using a strap suspension system (say that three times fast). The workout is easy on your joints but challenging for the rest of your body. Once you learn the ropes, see if you can master these 45 TRX exercises.
14. Swimming
Skip the inner tubes and start doing laps. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise with a boatload of benefits, from strengthening your shoulders to improving lung function.
15. Water aerobics
If swimming laps gets repetitive, bring aerobics class to the pool. Some gyms even offer underwater treadmills to really keep things interesting. (We may want to rethink calling them "dreadmills.")
16. Snowshoeing
For a different kind of walk in the park, strap on a pair of snowshoes. Walking on snow—like walking on sand—is more of a workout than walking on pavement. And it's still tame on your body.
17. Step aerobics
For a good cardio workout without all the pounding, science suggests signing up for a step aerobic class. Researchers found an hour of step aerobics gives you the same workout as a mid-distance run.
18. Ballroom dancing
Take a tip from Dancing With the Stars. Not only is dancing super sexy, it’s often gentle on the body. So go grab a partner and give those dips, twists, and twirls a try.
19. Rollerblading
Let’s take a trip back to the '90s and strap on some Rollerblades. Gliding on pavement puts less stress on your limbs while still burning calories. Just make sure you remember how to stop.
20. Cross-country skiing
This flat-terrain travel keeps things heated—even in the cold. So put on your skis and start pumping those poles. You’ll keep the pressure light (as powdery snow) on your body.
21. Golf
Now, now—golf isn’t just for the pros (or the retired). Take a trip to the fairway and get swinging. Bonus points for skipping the golf cart and walking the course!
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