HIGH IMPACT AEROBICS

It has nearly always been known that to maintain good health we must include exercise in our lifestyle; this was often seen as a necessary evil. Naturally we all know the benefits of exercise but getting the motivation to actually do it has been the most difficult part.

The lack of motivation often is a direct result of the boredom that accompanies routine exercises such as biking, walking, the treadmill and even weightlifting. Exercise such as low or high impact aerobics is so varied that boredom is seldom and issue and the time devoted to improving our health through exercise is looked forward to.

Exercise routines including high impact aerobics are available at any of the myriad of fitness centers and most centers work hard to offer classes that are beneficial and entertaining.

To conquer the boredom associated with working out many fitness centers include television, books, magazines and music to make the time pass quickly. The steady boom of the low or high impact aerobic class and the energetic participants are proof that exercise does not have to be boring!

Aerobics in itself has evolved over time from the calisthenics our parents grew up with to the fun dance movements that are used even today. While dance is fun and does take a lot of energy, for the more advanced it does not pose enough challenge. A combination of dance like steps along with the more intensive movement that usually has both feet off the ground offers the challenge even the most advanced exerciser needs.

Low and high impact aerobics classes offer something for everyone. The low impact aerobics is designed to protect the knees, shins, ankles and feet offers moves that keeps one foot on the ground at all times. The high impact aerobics is the opposite and many of the moves demand you to leap into the air in more aggressive moves. The combination class will include aerobic moves that can be modified to satisfy the low impact as well as the high impact enthusiast.

The high impact aerobic routines are intense and will increase the heart rate to a point where the maximum aerobic workout is achieved. A high impact aerobics routine must be entered into with caution because of the very real possibility of injury. The reason it is called high impact aerobics is because of the impact on the lower extremities being high.

As the body jumps and leaps into the air the impact upon landing can cause injury. A surface that absorbs much of the shock along with superior foot wear will help decrease the risk of injury.

The optimal exercise routine is one that offers a combination of low impact and high impact aerobics. This combination is also one of the most popular routines and most low impact routines can be modified for the high impact and visa versa, the high impact routine can be modified for low impact. The most important aspect is just doing it! Aerobics offers variety and fun energy to overcome boredom and keep you moving.