When it comes to working out, one of the first things you need to figure out is what type of training suits your body type, your preference and your physical capabilities.
As there are a row of different forms of exercising these days, a number that seems to be rising every day, it’s crucial to get a good understanding of the variations available out there.
Today we’ll go through the best low impact exercise equipment on the market and what it is that makes them a perfect fit for anyone looking to reap the benefits of low impact exercise.
Who’s Low Impact Exercise For?
Let’s start by building a fundamental understanding of who this form of workout is ideal for.
As Treated highlights below, low impact exercises are great for anyone recovering from an injury, older people wanting to take part in daily exercise, or for anyone coming back from an extended break from working out.
“These types of exercise might be particularly suitable for older persons, those who are recovering from an injury, or those who have not taken part in exercise activities for a while.
As we get older, our bones and joints do become more susceptible to damage through injury. This is because tissue is not able to regenerate at the same it would in a younger person.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, after the age of 30 physical activity is unlikely to improve bone density, however it does play a crucial role in reducing the rate of natural bone loss, which tends to commence after the age of 35.”
The Best Types of Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Elliptical Trainers
When you’re looking for an efficient full-body low impact exercise machine, you should start in the Elliptical Trainer corner of your gym. The machine puts minimal stress on joints and simulates a running or cross country skiing experience, with your feet remaining on the pads being the only exception. It incorporates both upper and lower body movements making this a great choice for healthy joints, muscles, and lungs.
The machine is topping many lists of low impact exercise equipment for a good reason.
According to Healthline, some of the benefits include:
1. Boost your stamina and cardio capacity
2. Burn a lot of calories
3. Put less stress on your joints
4. Get both an upper and lower body workout
Stationary Bikes
One of my all-time personal favorites is the stationary bike. Even though it won’t beat the view of a real bike ride, the benefits are certainly there for you to enjoy. With the use of this low impact exercise machine being rather self-explanatory, this remains a great option for anyone looking to step up their cardio levels in the gym.
With the ability to increase resistance and up-hill simulation, the stationary bike leaves even the most experienced bikers with a healthy challenge.
This low impact exercise equipment is also a top-shelf workout for anyone recovering from knee injuries or other lower body set-backs.
Rowers
Last – but definitely not least – comes to the rower. Another machine with a great amount of value to offer anyone looking for a solid full-body workout. With the majority of today’s workplaces requiring extensive amount of sitting hunched over computers, more and more physiotherapists are recommending this low impact exercise to their clients.
As explained by Women’s Health Magazine, there are a great amount of physical benefits behind the rower.
“’The rowing machine is unique in its ability to target 85% of your body’s muscles in order to perform the full movement or stroke properly,’ says Annie Mulgrew, vice president and founding instructor of CITY ROW.
‘The major muscles in your legs, arms, back and core all must activate, providing a total body workout that will increase your body strength as well as your cardiovascular capacity.’ You heard that right too – the machine involves cardio and strength-building at the same time.”
The Verdict
With a number of different machines, type of exercise and workout routines popping up around the world, it’s crucial to have a handful of reliable go-to’s for optimal everyday wellbeing. These three low impact exercise equipment outlined above are – according to both studies and practitioners – some of the most efficient and result driven machines on the market.
These are suitable for all ages, all types of physical conditions and can be found at most gyms around the world. A good bang for your buck if you ask me.