Low Impact Joint-Friendly Exercises

If you suffer from joint pain, even daily tasks such as getting dressed and brushing your teeth can feel like a struggle. However, even if you’re tempted to remain as immobile as possible, it’s important to keep in mind that the less you move, the worse your joint symptoms become.

Low impact exercises put less stress on your joints while simultaneously helping to strengthen and build muscle in order to protect weak knees, hips, ankles, and other joint issues.

In addition, there’s a long list of benefits to having an active lifestyle:

Improved circulation
Increased bone density
Reduced risk of dementia
Helps maintain balance
Helps maintain a healthy body weight
Eases aches from chronic conditions
Improved joint mobility
Lowered risk of heart disease
Improved mood
Reduced anxiety
Increased energy
Extended life expectancy

The key to looking forward to workouts is finding something you enjoy. Once this is achieved, you’ll be more likely to turn your activity of choice into a habit.

5 of the Best Low Impact Joint-Friendly Exercises

1. Walking

Walking is one of the easiest choices. Provided that you’re healthy enough to do it, it’s an excellent low-impact exercise. If you walk outside, it’ll give you some time to enjoy nature. If you include friends or family members, you can turn it into a social or bonding time to catch up with the ones you love.

2. Elliptical Machine

If you prefer something a bit more high-intensity, an elliptical machine will allow a running motion without the impact on your knees and hip joints. You can even get an added bonus of working out a different set of leg muscles if you pedal in reverse.

3. Swimming

Being submerged and virtually weightless in water greatly reduces stress on the joints and the risk of injury. If it makes you feel safer, you can bring a flotation device with you to group exercise classes at your local gym, community pool, or YMCA.

Related Article: Benefits of Swimming for Seniors

4. Cycling

It’s as easy as riding a bike. Literally. This type of exercise uses most of your major muscle groups, so you essentially strengthen your entire body. You can pedal as fast or as slow as you want. In addition to your other muscles, it’ll also strengthen your heart. A recumbent bike also eases impact to the knees and ankle joints.

5. Resistance Training

Strength training is important to increase your bone density. That said, some people get intimidated by complicated machines at the gym. This is where free weights or resistance training comes in. You can purchase bands with different resistance strengths and work out with the ones that are most comfortable for you. Click here for exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home.

Before starting any exercise program, make sure to consult with your physician This way you’ll know if you need to make any modifications or eliminate exercises that are not medically suitable for you.

Contact Sonas for Home Care Services

At Sonas Home Health Care, we understand the desire to ensure loved ones remain active and enjoy an engaging lifestyle. Our caregivers can assist them in performing their exercise of choice.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.