5 Best Low-Impact Exercises to Reduce Joint Pain

As fun and effective as high-impact, high-intensity workouts (like intense cardio) can be, they are not always kind to your joints. Soon enough, you might notice heightened soreness and decreased flexibility from tension. To avoid this, we like to rotate our exercise routine with low-impact classes.

Unsure where to begin? Continue reading to discover five low-impact workouts we love to give your body a break while staying active.

Step Aerobics

We added step aerobics into our fitness routine this year, and it's one of the best choices we've made. Dancing if fun, but honestly, we don't have natural rhythm. It is much simpler to memorize the choreography in step aerobics without feeling distressed. Plus, you'll get to hear tons of catchy music, which always makes the time go by faster.

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Indoor Cycling

If you enjoy the high-intensity of traditional cardio, you will like spin classes. Within a couple of minutes of your workout, your heart will be pounding, but those who love it are completely obsessed with it. Plus, like step aerobics, you can listen to motivating music. We've seen some spin locations offer themed classes, like Taylor Swift or Hamilton Spin.

 

Also read about: These Are the 5 Easiest Yoga Positions for Beginners

 

Water Aerobics

Because of your body's buoyancy, water workouts have less impact on your joints. If you really don't want to give up the jumping jacks you do during your high-impact workout, try doing them underwater, aka water aerobics. Besides, water makes everything feel more fun.

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Hiking

Do you prefer to exercise at your own pace? Consider adding hiking into your fitness mix. Walking applies little to no pressure onto your joints, especially in short stints. It's also the perfect excuse to get out in nature and see the great views—and one of the best to do with friends because you can easily socialize at the same time!

 

Pilates

Last but certainly not least is Pilates. The whole coquette, Pilates princess aesthetic has been taking over, but it's not just a cute activity. It's very effective for sculpting your body and improving your flexibility. But hey, we'll take any reason to dress up in baby pink clothes and romanticize our lives.

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Trying to figure out what to bring to the gym? Click HERE to discover the most essential items to include.