Have you ever heard the term “low impact exercise” and wondered what it meant? We know that phrases like these get thrown around often without ever actually explaining the meaning or purpose. That’s why today we’re going to unpack this commonly recommended exercise strategy. Read on to learn all about the benefits of low impact exercise!

 

What is Low Impact Exercise?

The first step in understanding the benefits of low impact exercise is knowing what low impact exercise is. When we talk about low impact exercise, we’re referring to physical activity that doesn’t cause excessive or abrupt force on joints and bones. Some examples of this type of exercise include:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Rowing
• Swimming & water aerobics
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

Low impact activities allow patients to experience the benefits of exercise without being as likely to trigger their chronic pain condition(s). And, speaking of benefits, let’s get into some ways low impact exercise can help you along in your general health as well as your pain reduction goals.

 

Increased Mobility

As many of our patients can testify, joint stiffness and lack of flexibility go hand-in-hand with chronic pain. Our orthopedic doctors in Bedford (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville) often emphasize how critical it is to incorporate therapies and activities that focus on range of motion and joint mobility. Low impact exercises are on the top of that list.

Because low impact exercises generally involve slower, more methodical movements, they allow for patients to incorporate many different planes of motion. Water aerobics, for example, will help with hip and shoulder mobility. It may also improve spine health because it allows for full, fluid range of motion in several different directions.

 

Improved Stability

High impact exercises have the benefit of a faster momentum aiding the person’s movements. With low impact exercises, the slower pace forces more of a focus on core strength, balance and coordination. This may be especially beneficial for patients who live with chronic low back pain. Studies also show that low-impact exercises may decrease a person’s fall risk.

Consider incorporating some of these low impact yoga routines in your week to get a boost in stability and balance:

• Silver Sneakers: 8 Yoga Poses That Improve Balance
• Yoga with Adriene: Core Strength Ritual
• Cleveland Clinic’s Judi Bar: Yoga for Better Balance

If you or someone you love is looking to begin a new low-impact exercise regimen but isn’t quite sure where to begin, we have Bedford doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville). Our team will work with you to assess your condition(s) and map out a custom plan that’s best for you.

 

Faster Recovery Time

Another reason our pain specialists encourage low-impact exercise is because of the shorter post-workout recovery time. Many times, a high-impact routine will require a rest day in between workout days. This is not likely to be the case with a low-impact routine.

This holds true even with regard to the mental stamina it takes to keep up with a consistent workout schedule. People are less likely to get mentally drained by low-impact exercise. In fact, patients may even find that they look forward to their daily walk or swim much more than their high-intensity workout days.

 

More Efficient Fat Burning

While both high-impact and low-impact are good at burning fat, high-impact is typically associated with aerobic activity. This means more of a fast-paced workout that puts the body into a faster calorie burning state. However, combining a low-impact routine with a solid weight training strategy will create an environment where the body continues to burn calories even while at rest. If you are looking for ways to add weight training to your low-impact routine, consider incorporating one or two of these tools:

• Resistance Bands
• Hand weights
• Ankle weights
• Slowing down your tempo

 

Orthopedic Doctors in Bedford TX

The physicians at CPI have special training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all different types of pain. CPI offers a scope of services depending on your specific set of needs as a patient. We understand that some days this may look like helping you create an exercise plan that doesn’t aggravate your chronic pain while other days it may mean exploring comprehensive treatment options. Our chronic pain specialists can do all this and more. Call today to learn more!