Low Impact Cardio Exercises

Cardiovascular or cardio exercises as they are popularly referred to as, improve the metabolism rate. These exercises stimulate the heart muscles and increase strength and stamina. However, most cardio exercises like jogging are high impact and put strain on the joints. People who are obese should opt for low impact cardio exercises. Performing these exercises at moderate intensity for extended periods is one of the best ways to promote fat loss and endurance.

If you planning to inculcate some low impact cardio routines in your exercise regimen, do them for 30-40 minutes. Anything less than this time won't give you the desired results. If you are a beginner, slowly increase your cardio workout time to hit the 40 minute mark. Keep your body hydrated when you are doing cardio exercises.

Before you start exercising, make sure you make a weekly schedule and change your routine in regular intervals to get maximum benefits. Here are some of the low impact exercises that you could try.

The weight of the body is supported by the water when you do aqua aerobics, making this a good low impact routine. Water provides a certain levels of buoyancy and therefore there isn't much impact on the joints when you exercise. The movements in aqua aerobics also give you a good cardio workout at the desired intensity level.

You can either walk on the jogging track or go for a walk in the park. One way to increase the intensity of your workout is to do brisk walking for short duration. Walking up hill and moving your arms as you walk are some of the other things that you could do.

Using machines in the gym like the rowing machine is also an effective way to get a cardio workout. The rowing machine allows for supported movement of the hands and legs, hence it goes easy on the joints. You can even adjust the intensity levels on this machine to aid your fat loss and fitness goals. Do simple stretching exercises for 3-5 minutes before you start exercising on the rowing machine.

If you like the outdoors, then hiking is one of the options that you could explore for low impact exercises. It will also help you burn excess fat and give you a full body workout. Hiking will also improve your endurance levels and give you a good cardio workout. Use protective gear like elbow and knee pads when hiking to avoid injuries. This routine will also help you strengthen your lower body muscles like the hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes.

When you hit the gym opt for the stair stepper, as this is a low impact high calorie burning exercise. The stair stepper machine allows you to replicate the movement of climbing the stairs. The machine allows low impact assisted movements and the pedals are designed to cushion your joints. Like the rowing machine you can also adjust the intensity level on the stair stepper to get a good workout.

The simple hand, leg, and body movements of the routine will raise your heartbeat, giving you a good low impact workout. There are several people who swear by the aerobics regimen when it comes to losing excess fat. Make sure you do this at moderate intensity level and for extended periods for quick results.

Some of the other effective low impact routines are pilates and swimming. Low impact routines will help you avoid many, exercise related aches and pains. It is advisable that you consult your physician before you start any exercise regimen.