Low Impact Sport Ideas
Low Impact Sports
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ve probably had your fair share of injuries. That doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying your sports. You may just need to find some low impact alternatives. Perhaps you just don’t like high impact, contact sports and would rather commit to something a little less taxing on your overused joints.
We’ve put together a list of low impact sport ideas, so you can stay active, without adding more strain where you don’t need it.
1. Swimming
Water is the ultimate low impact medium and many fitness buffs love swimming. It’s also so great for sore joints that it is often the sport recommended by physiotherapists to get injured sporting buffs to gradually exercise their way to peak condition again. Then too, there are people who have sustained serious injuries through sports, car accidents and other mishaps. Rehabilitation often involves water activity, which is gentle on aching bodies and you don’t need to worry about falling on hard surfaces or pounding sore legs on hard roads or other surfaces. Even those that are in prime physical fitness love swimming and other aquatic activities when they want to engage in something less strenuous in-between days of intensive exercise. So take out your swimming trunks and flip flops and go swimming!
2. Cycling
Cycling works a lot of your lower muscles without overstraining them. You can modify your cycling sessions by choosing different terrains. Choose flat land areas if you want to take it easy, and go for lots of hills when you want to challenge yourself. All you need is a good bike and sturdy, but comfortable low impact road cycling shoes. Rain or shine, cycling is an activity suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
3. Power Walking And Jogging
Do you love running but want to take it easy? Walking and jogging are perfect for you. Not only will you give yourself a great workout, you can grab some earphones and your favorite playlist and relax as you get fit. Both of these take a minimal amount of skills and you don’t need to overdo either one. You can also clear the cobwebs from your head as you take in the scenery. Rain or shine, you can pull on your walking shoes or and hit the trails. If you don’t want to expose yourself to the outdoor elements, power walking and jogging can be done indoors on a treadmill.
4. Running
Are you getting ready for a marathon or you just like to go for a morning run? Running is an activity you don’t need to be good at to enjoy and, unless you are preparing for a race, it can be a very tranquil, therapeutic experience. All you need is a tiny amount of running gear. A pair of shorts or running pants, a comfortable t-shirt, and a running jacket, in case it’s raining. The most important piece of gear you will need is a sturdy pair of comfortable neutral running shoes and you’re out the door.
5. Yoga, Pilates & Tai Chi
If you want to exercise mind, body, and soul, yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi are your ideal sporting activities. These are sports you can do indoors, at the gym or even in your local park. All of them are easy on the joints but you will activate every muscle in smooth, fluid movements. All you need is yoga pants, t-shirts and shoes for yoga for complete comfort and freedom of movement. If your workday is busy and hectic, these low impact sports are the perfect way to unwind at the end of a busy and trying day.
6. Rowing
Sit and get a thorough workout with rowing. You will exercise your upper and lower body and it can be a lot of fun. You won’t be putting impact strain on your joints and you don’t have to tackle anyone in the process. Rowing can be a fun way to get out on the water and it’s a great competitive sport too. If you don’t like the idea of freezing on a chilly river or lake, go to your local gym and hit the rowing machines. You can also get your own rowing machine and engage in this low impact sport in the comfort of your home.
7. Horse Riding
Don’t you just love the idea of being one with an incredible and noble beast? Horses are unbelievably beautiful creatures and love to run. Put your horse riding boots on, saddle up, and join your equine friend for a nice easy trot or give your friend a nudge and get into a full flying gallop. It may seem like the horse is doing all the work, and that’s true. But staying in the saddle also makes you work a lot of your muscles. What a beautiful way to enjoy stunning countryside and become in tune with a magnificent animal at the same time. This is one sport you will love and you’ll make a very loyal four-legged friend.
8. Cross Trainer
Using an exercise bike with a difference, the cross trainer, or elliptical bike is a low impact workout that will get your heart racing. You stand on the pedals and grip the handles. Move your legs and get the trainer working in a circular motion that has your legs and your arms pumping. The cross-trainer at your local gym is an amazing piece of equipment that will get your body moving into an awesome physical state and there are less expensive home versions that won’t take up much space in your home but you’ll have a method of exercising you can access anytime. Don’t forget to wear a pair of good cross training shoes.
9. Golf
If you find ordinary walking a little boring, pair your Sunday walk with a round of golf and a good friend. Golf is a sport loved by people all over the world and golf courses themselves are very tranquil places. It can take a few hours to get through all 18 holes and the best part is, you can enjoy a cold drink at the 19th hole. Take out your golf shoes, call a friend, and hit the golf course.
Whatever low impact sport you decide to take up, the main thing is to keep moving. All of these low impact sports are lots of fun and you can get your family and friends to join you. Stay fit and stay healthy without destroying your joints.
