Getting regular exercise is important at any age, but it's especially important as we get older. As we age, it often becomes more difficult to get around due to issues with mobility and balance, among others.
But when it comes to exercise, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of exercise that's best for you depends on any number of things, including age, fitness level and any medical conditions you have.
If you're dealing with lingering joint pain or conditions such as arthritis, you may need a workout that puts less pressure on your joints. That's why our team at Parkridge Bone & Joint wants to share some insight about low-intensity exercise.
When we talk about "impact" in relation to physical activity, we are talking about the pressure the exercise puts on your bones and joints.
So impact refers to how much force the exercise puts on your body. Some people are able to tolerate more forceful exercises, but others can benefit from low-impact exercises that don't stress out the joints.
What Are Low-impact Exercises?
When you participate in a low-impact exercise, you are choosing workouts that don't put a lot of pressure on your joints and muscles.
Low-impact exercises include:
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Walking
- Water aerobics
- Yoga
Low-impact exercises are great for pregnant women, people who are just starting to work out or people who have arthritis.
One important thing to know--just because an exercise is low impact doesn't mean it needs to be performed at low intensity. So you can get in a good, heart-pumping workout even if you choose a less impactful activity.
What Are High-impact Exercises?
When a person performs a high-impact exercise, he or she is usually causing his or her body weight to "impact" his or her joints during the exercise.
High-impact exercises include:
- Boxing
- Football
- Plyometrics
- Running
- Tennis
And the same is true with high-impact workouts as with low-impact--you can make them as intense as you're able, getting in a heavy workout or a lighter one.
Are you considering making changes to your exercise routine but aren't sure if your joints can handle it? Contact the professionals at Parkridge Bone & Joint today for an appointment to talk about the exercise that would be best for you.