Although I can't participate in most exercises, I do like to write about them as part of a healthy lifestyle.

It's important to give our bodies a break from running, dancing, or playing sports and try a low-impact workout. It helps us avoid injury. You might be surprised just how effective low impact workouts can be.

Perhaps you can try these easy exercises to get your heart rate going:

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to exercise without putting a strain on the joints while improving cardio fitness.

Walking

Walking is a stress-free way to get moving. This can be just a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous countryside walk to get that heart rate up.

Yoga and Pilates

Sadly, we won’t get a strong core by just doing crunches. Try Yoga or Pilates instead to quickly improve flexibility without putting too much strain on the joints.

Rowing

Rowing is another easy way to get in some cardio whilst also working our arms, back, legs, and core.

Swimming

Swimming is another great low-impact exercise with lots of benefits, from strengthening shoulders to improving lung function.

Ballroom Dancing

Dancing is gentle on the body and is an excellent way of getting out, meeting people and benefiting from some gentle exercise all at the same time.

Finally, low-impact workouts are easy on the body and can be a great way to get in a heart-pumping workout without worrying also having to deal with injuries.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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2 comments on “Low impact workouts”

  1. I enjoy cycling when the weather is nice and I do notice a great improvement in my fitness during the Spring and Summer.

    I have stated to replace this with regular walks as we are going into Autumn, as I can just get out and about during the day; even when the weather wouldn't be good enough to enjoy a bike ride.

    It's so important to try and improve our cardio health and all of your suggestions are a sensible way of starting.

    1. I agree with you, whatever stage of life, it's important we improve cardio health. It's also important to moderate how much exercise we take and the kind of exercise we participate in.

      Low impact workouts work, because fundamentally, they put less pressure on the body. But as with all exercise, it's finding a balance.

      I once heard that we must at least keep moving. We know that sitting for long periods isn't good for us and I agree with that.

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