Low Intensity Exercise Routines

Yoga

If you want to stay fit, but are worried about the impact that exercising may have on your joints and muscles, you may want to consider low-intensity exercise. Low-intensity exercise offers the benefits of traditional exercise routines, but without the strain on your body. Kickboxing and spinning might not be the best choice for you, but you can still stay fit with a variety of low-intensity exercise routines.

Swimming

Swimming gives you the benefit of cardiovascular exercise, along with the resistance of a more muscular workout, all with the low intensity you gain from the water cushioning your joints as you swim. Swimming as an exercise routine is encouraged for people of all walks of life who need low-intensity exercises, from pregnant mothers to seniors. To reap the benefits of swimming, contact your local recreational center and ask if they offer water aerobics, or just head down to the local pool to swim laps. Start with a few laps, and then work your way to more as you become stronger and gain more endurance.

Walking

Plenty of people love jogging and running, but both forms of exercise can be jarrings on the joints and cause painful conditions like shin splints. Try walking for lower intensity exercise that offers results like running without the painful side effects. Walking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and maintaining a high level of fitness. You can start by simply lacing up your shoes and going for a walk around the neighborhood. Find a friend who also is looking to be more fit and meet him daily for a walk. It's great to have the companionship and even better to have someone you're accountable to so you're more likely to go daily. You can start with a shorter distance, and then work your way up to going longer and faster. Choose goals each week and challenge yourself for the best results.

Yoga

Yoga is trendy and practiced by some hardcore fitness experts, but that doesn't mean it can't be low intensity if you want it to be. In fact, people of all fitness levels enjoy yoga to strengthen their muscles, make them more flexible and have a calming influence in their lives. Many recreational centers offer yoga classes for free or a small fee. If you can't find a yoga class near you, head to your local library and rent a video about beginners yoga. You'll learn about all of the different positions and routines that can help make you stronger without damaging your joints or pulling your muscles.

References

• Low Intensity Exercise