Can low impact exercise make a difference to your fitness health?
Choosing between low impact and high impact exercises often depends on your specific health condition, age, fitness level, and personal goals.
However, I have found that as I age low impact mind-body exercise, such as yoga, tai chi, or AeroPilates, can offer several powerful benefits over high-impact exercises.
Here's why you might want to consider a low-impact exercise regimen like Aeropilates.
Reduced Risk of Injury
High-impact exercise can be tough on your joints and can lead to injuries over time. Low impact exercise typically poses a lower risk of injury as it involves smoother, more controlled movements and mindful breathing.
Improved Flexibility and Balance
Mind-body exercises often focus on improving your flexibility, range of motion and balance, which can help you in your every day life and preventing falls, tweaks and injuries. In our studies we saw a significant increase of 108% in flexibility.
Stress Reduction
Activities like reformer Aeropilates significantly emphasises the mind-body connection; helping to relieve stress and anxiety. In our clinical studies we saw an overall reduction of 58%.
Suitable for All Fitness Levels
Low impact exercise is great for beginners and individuals who are older or recovering from injury. It offers a way to stay active without putting undue stress on your body.
Increased Mindfulness
Whilst there is a trend towards mindfulness we know that placing an emphasis on breath control and conscious movement can heighten your body awareness, leading to improved posture and more corrective movement in your daily life.
Overall Health Improvement
Low impact exercise improves cardiovascular health, muscle tone, flexibility, balance, mood, and can contribute to weight management.
Promotes Long-Term Habits
High impact exercise can sometimes be difficult to maintain over the long term due to the toll it takes on your body. In my studio, 99% of people have back pain and/or knee, hip and shoulder injuries mostly due to high impact sports and exercise in their earlier life. A few weeks of regular Aeropilates sees vast improvement; where the reformer can identify tight and weak muscles and lengthen and strengthen them efficiently and permanently.
Low impact exercise, is easier on your body and will promote long-term consistency in maintaining an active lifestyle.
It is however important to note that whilst Aeropilates is low in impact it does not preclude the essential benefits of increased bone density, improved athletic performance, and because of the supine jumping against a small rebounder, significant cardiovascular improvement.
Remember, before starting any new exercise regimen, it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns.
written by Marjolein Brugman
Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."