Start Moving With These Low-Impact Ideas
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you're ready to get in shape and feel your best, there's one thing that you absolutely have to include in your life: movement. Movement is a key component of good health. Our bodies crave movement, whether it's scheduled exercise or general movement throughout the day. Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle is becoming quite the norm. And if you've been sitting still for too long, it can be hard to get up and get going. Luckily, there are plenty of low-impact ways to move your body and get healthy. Take a look at these effective ideas for movement that feels good, boosts health, and leaves you feeling your very best.
Walking
Walking is an extremely effective way to move your body. Is it the kind of exercise that's going to make you sweat and give you sore muscles? Probably not, but that's why it's so effective. Anyone can do it! Walking is a form of cardio, which means it's going to challenge your muscles, your stamina, and burn calories. But it's going to do all of that without pushing you too hard. And luckily, it's easy to pick up the pace when you're ready. If you need an activity that you can start today, walking may be just the ticket to get you off of the couch and moving toward better health.
Yoga
Yoga is another great activity for someone who is beginning a movement journey. Why? Because it's low-impact and highly adaptable. If you're not ready for a particular pose, there are a ton of modifications that you can use to ease your body into it at your own pace. It may not challenge your cardio, but it will absolutely stretch and strengthen your muscles, improve balance, and challenge you mentally as well. If you're interested in trying yoga, check out local gyms and studios, or if all else fails, search the internet for a class that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Water Aerobics
If you want low-impact, take your exercise to the water. The thing about water is that it's easier on the joints and sore spots, but it's still challenging. Many local gyms have year-round swimming pools where you can join a water aerobics class. You may not sweat, but you'll likely feel the burn in your face. You're also more likely to widen your range of motion in the water without pain and suffering. This is a great option for anyone who needs to work through injury and recovery, or anyone who wants to take their workout journey very slowly. And after your class is over, you can swim some laps to truly burn calories and build stamina.
If better health is your goal and you need to add movement in your life, there are definitely ways to make it happen. Ways that feel good to your body and mind. Use these ideas to start movement in your life today so that you can improve your health, enjoy your life, and feel better than ever for many years to come.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Oklahoma City, Okla.