Is low-impact exercise effective?

When you think of “exercise,” you might think of people running marathons or lifting weights at the gym. If that feels intimidating or out of scope for you, don’t sweat it—try giving low-impact exercise a try! Low-impact exercises are easier on your joints and carry less risk of physical injury.

Popular low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and Pilates. You can vary the intensity of low-impact exercises according to your comfort level. For example, you can walk leisurely or at a brisk pace. You can do gentle water aerobics or swim laps.

Regular low-impact exercise can have many benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, enhanced muscle strength, and reduced stress. It’s an especially great option for older adults, pregnant women, and those with conditions that limit their mobility.

It’s easy to get creative with low-impact exercise. Consider the following ideas (bonus: many of them promote social connectedness, too!):

• Gather up your friends to go rollerblading
• Do some tai chi in the park
• Sign up for a ballroom dancing class
• Go swimming at your local recreation center
• Rent a four-person bike and go cycling with the whole family