Low impact exercises are controlled movements generally when you keep one foot on the floor. As the name suggests, low impact exercise is a type of exercise where the amount of stress placed upon the joints of your knees, hips and ankles is relatively minimal.
These exercises are ideal for many people, including those with disabilities who have limited mobility.
The athlete is still able to participate in cardiovascular exercise, while lowering the risk of injuries. The three main benefits are: increased cardiovascular health, decreased damage to joints and weight loss.
The reason low-impact exercise is beneficial to many people with compromised mobility is the reduced risk of injury. An injury may reduce future exercise or require modified motions to compensate for the injured area.
Following are some examples of common low-impact exercises: walking, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, cycling, step aerobics, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ballroom dancing.
Tom is a peer advocate in Missoula and can be reached at tomskilaw@gmail.com
