LOW-IMPACT AEROBICS

Maintaining good health includes a lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise. We all know this but achieving this and maintaining this lifestyle can be difficult. Why? What is the culprit that demonizes exercise? Boredom. Simply walking on the treadmill or stationary bike as well as other routine exercises is boring and it is hard to keep with a routine if you are bored.

One cure to the boredom associated with exercise is aerobics, whether high or low-impact aerobics, a wide variety creates interest and fun.

Exercise routines such as high and low-impact aerobics classes are offered at nearly any fitness center. Most fitness centers try hard to overcome the boredom that accompanies exercise by installing televisions, stocking magazines and playing up beat music.

Also available are a wide variety of exercise classes from Pilates, yoga, step aerobics, zumba dance, high and low-impact aerobics and a host of other routines. Enter any fitness center anywhere and chances are you will hear the steady boom of music and see energetic workout enthusiasts moving their bodies together to the beat.

Exercise has evolved over time from jumping jacks and pushups to fast paced dance moves. Although dance is fun, varied and takes a lot of energy it will not challenge the more advanced person looking for a good workout. More intense movements and workouts are available in high impact and low-impact aerobics with the best routines including a combination of both.

High impact aerobics are not for the beginner and while it will increase the heart rate to maximum levels quickly it must be entered into with caution. The exercise moves primarily are in the air and include jumping and leaping moves where both feet are off the ground. The impact on the knees, shins, ankles and feet are intense when landing and where the name high impact is derived.

The risk of injury is real if precautions are not taken; precautions such as shock absorbing foot wear and flooring. The aerobically fit using proper precautions can find their ideal workout in high impact aerobics.

Low-impact aerobics are similar to the high impact; however, one foot is nearly always on the ground and the leaping and jumping is at a minimum. The impact on the knees, shins, ankles and feet are lessened with these exercises; thus the name low-impact aerobics. Although it may take a bit longer to achieve, the heart rate can still be raised to the maximum levels with low-impact routines.

The best exercise routines will offer a combination of high and low-impact aerobics as well as body sculpting moves. This combination is a popular routine and is offered in many centers as well as many exercise DVD’s. With the variety of moves, music, instructors and routines available the boredom factor is lessened. The difficult part now isn’t being bored but instead it is choosing just which class or routine you want to do today!