There’s no rule that says staying active means killing it at the gym or becoming a marathon runner.
Sometimes, all you need are some practical fitness tools that help you get the job done with less impact.
Whether you’re buying fitness equipment for a teenager, busy parent, or even a grandparent with creaky joints…
Low impact cardio tools can help everyone stay healthy.
The issue?
We as a society just don’t move enough. Latest WHO research showed that 31% of adults are considered physically inactive. That means about 1 in 3 adults aren’t getting enough exercise.
That’s a whopping 1.8 billion people!
Luckily there are plenty of awesome low impact cardio options for every fitness level that can start changing that number today. Starting with you.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying healthy every stage of life with the right fitness tools.
What you’re going to learn:
- Low Impact Cardio can help you stay healthy at any age
- Best Fitness Tools for Low Impact Cardio
- How to pick the right fitness tools for you
- How to stay consistent with your fitness routine
Low Impact Cardio can help you stay healthy at any age
Low impact cardio refers to exercises that get your heart rate up without putting too much strain or impact on the body. Activities like walking, biking, swimming, or using other low impact cardio machines.
Here’s the thing…
When you’re younger low impact cardio can help you build up a solid base so you can try other HIIT workouts later on if you want. As you get older low impact cardio becomes even more important. Bone density and joint support decrease with age.
But wait… there’s more
Just because something is low impact doesn’t mean it won’t give you results. Low impact cardio still strengthens your heart and improves mood, decreases stress levels, and helps you manage weight. It just has a lot less impact on your body while you do it.
Making low impact cardio the perfect fit no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Best Fitness Tools for Low Impact Cardio
Now that we know why low impact cardio is important at every age, let’s talk about the best fitness tools that make low impact cardio fun and easy.
Note: Not all fitness equipment is created equal when it comes to low impact cardio. Some machines are better than others.
Let’s take a look at some of the best and most effective pieces of equipment to help keep you moving… at any age.
Recumbent Bikes & Steppers
Let’s start off with the grandparent of low impact cardio machines… the Recumbent Bike. These are some of the most popular low impact cardio machines around. They allow you to get a great cardio workout all while staying seated comfortably.
But wait. What’s the difference between a recumbent bike and a recumbent stepper? Good question. If you’ve been wondering- what is a recumbent bike, and how it stacks up against a stepper, it’s worth understanding.
Both pieces of equipment are low impact and work great for getting your heart rate up. A recumbent bike will have you focusing on your lower body with a smooth pedaling motion. A recumbent stepper works your upper and lower body at the same time.
Basically…
Both machines are great. But recumbent steppers provide a slightly more full body workout.
Recumbent bikes and steppers are perfect for:
- Those looking to recover from injuries
- Seniors with joint problems
- Anyone who wants to exercise while comfortably seated
Simple and effective. It doesn’t get much better than these machines to help you get moving.
Elliptical Machines
Another low impact staple is the elliptical machine. It’s been around for ages for good reason. Simulates running or walking without excessive pressure on knees, hips, and ankles.
What’s great about ellipticals is most of them come with moving hand pedals. This allows you to get a full body workout by engaging your arms, shoulders, and core while your legs do the work below.
If you have any joint pain or are recovering from surgery… purchasing an elliptical is a great way to get moving without putting stress on the injured area.
Resistance Bands
One of the most underrated fitness tools out there. Resistance bands!
Cheap. Portable. And they work. While resistance bands are typically used for strength training they can also be utilized with low impact cardio movements to create a well rounded workout.
Using things like resistance bands with low impact cardio allows you to build muscle. This will improve your balance and help keep your body strong and healthy. CDC stats show that only about 47.8% of adults over the age of 18 meet guidelines for aerobic activity. Resistance bands are a great way to check that box if you struggle with traditional cardio.
Walking Treadmills
Need another reason to love walking? Walking is low impact cardio.
The best form of cardio on the planet doesn’t come with risks of injury like running does. However, there are times where being outdoors isn’t always possible.
Enter the walking treadmill.
Walking treadmills today are some of the most compact on the market. Most models slide under a desk or fold up for easy storage. A treadmill for walking at your desk removes any excuses you have for not getting your steps in each day. Rain or shine, you can always walk.
When a treadmill isn’t available and you’re exploring the outdoors on a walking tour or just as a family, an Irish walking stick is the perfect accompaniment. It’s great for those who need extra support or just want more stability when walking in general.
How to pick the right fitness tools for you
With so many fitness tools on the market it can feel daunting to pick the right one.
That’s why it’s been broken down into these categories to give you some ideas on what may work best for you.
Take into account…
Your current fitness level and any injuries you’re working with. A senior citizen looking to get moving is going to have different fitness tools than a healthy 25-year-old.
Some questions you should ask yourself when picking fitness equipment:
- What if any physical limitations do you have? Any joint pain or injuries? Mobility restrictions?
- How much space do you have? Some machines take up a whole room while others fold up at the end of your workout.
- How much are you looking to spend? There are great cardio tools at every budget. Starting at as cheap as resistance bands and up to full blown ellipticals.
- What are your goals? Are you looking to lose weight, improve heart health, recover from injuries. Each goal could recommend different fitness tools.
At the end of the day there is no “best” fitness tool. The best fitness tool is the one that you actually use.
Don’t try and justify buying that expensive piece of equipment. Start with something that feels comfortable and get started.
How to stay consistent with your fitness routine
Purchasing fitness equipment can be the easy part. Staying consistent and actually using it is where it becomes difficult for most people.
Don’t overthink it.
Here’s what works for most people. Simply schedule out your workouts on your calendar. Even 20 minutes of low impact cardio 3-5xs per week is enough to create massive changes in your cardiovascular health, energy levels, and mood.
Start slow and build up. Don’t try and go 1 hour your first day of use. Your body won’t know what hit it and you’ll quickly burn out. Start with what you can do and grow from there.
Plus… make it fun! Listen to a podcast, watch TV, or workout with your partner. Stay consistent by making low impact cardio fun.
Wrap up
Nothing in life will require you to “stay active” at extreme levels.
But staying active and dedicating even 20 minutes a day to your fitness will help you live at an extreme level for longer.
Keep it simple. Buy useful low impact cardio tools and use them.
Low impact cardio is:
- Helpful for every fitness level
- Can be done at almost any age
- Joint friendly for those with injuries
- Builds cardio strength
The stats are scary when you look at how many adults around the world are sedentary. But you have the power to change that stat today.
It starts with getting moving and keeping consistent.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
