The Lowdown on Low-Impact

 

August 25, 2023

The Lowdown on Low-Impact

Discover a fitness path that's kind to your body yet doesn't compromise on results – the world of low-impact! Low-impact workouts continue to gain popularity as a gentle yet effective way to stay fit. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of low-impact exercises and how to incorporate them into your fitness and wellness routine.

BENEFITS OF LOW-IMPACT WORKOUTS

Rather than pushing the body to extremes, low-impact exercises provide a balanced approach to fitness. They are joint-friendly, making them suitable for individuals with joint issues or injuries. They can even reduce the case of exercise-related injuries, promoting long-term sustainability. Compared to a more intense strength workout, low-impact workouts require less recovery time. Sometimes that post-leg day feeling doesn’t work when you have big plans!

"Sometimes slowing down allows you to be more precise: low-impact workouts don’t mean low effort," said Group Fitness Director Anne Marie Skylis. "A low-impact strength class means you’ll be being focused on what you’re doing and where you should feel it. That can lead to better gains over time anyway, as you are really forced to master the movement pattern. A low-impact cardio workout just means you’re not experiencing the same impact forces you might when jumping or running – but trust us, you can still get your heart rate high in Breakaway. There are so many ways to workout, it’s great to mix in a low-impact choice to keep your body feeling challenged in a different way!"

TYPES OF LOW-IMPACT WORKOUTS + CLASSES

  • Walk It Out: Lace up your sneakers and enjoy a brisk stroll in a park, around your neighborhood, on a treadmill, or on our indoor 400m track in Chelsea! It's a fantastic way to get your heart rate up without pounding your joints. This month, join our weekly Community Strides club in Prospect Heights to walk with company!
  • Go For a Spin: Whether you're pedaling through Central Park or the Westside Highway or hopping into a Breakaway Cycling Class at the club, cycling provides an exhilarating cardiovascular workout with minimal impact.
  • Make a Splash: Dive into the pool for a full-body workout that's easy on the joints. Reserve a lane in the pool to swim laps solo, or join one of our Swim Classes, available in different levels and included in membership! Check out our Water Works class in Chelsea – a workout using water resistance to improve endurance, strength and flexibility.
  • Bodyweight Balance: Build strength without the strain on your joints using bodyweight-based exercises and Pilates techniques. Master the basics and build a strong core in Pilates Mat, and take things to the next level with a Pilates Reformer Class or a Pilates Personal Training Session! For a more classic low-impact group fitness experience, try TRX or our brand new TRX + Bosu classes. If you’re a Chelsea member, check out our Fresh Start class, a strength class designed for members 65+.
  • Go with the (Yoga) Flow: Improve flexibility, strength, and balance through controlled, low-impact movements in a Yoga class. You’ll reap all of the physical benefits, while also reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity.