Editors’ Note: I was driving through Kent the other day and saw a guy about my age running along the side of the road. Nothing was chasing him except, perhaps, a fear of geting older.
Two throughts went through my head as I passed by: Good for him, and wow, I bet every bone and muscle in his body hurts.
According to a Cleveland Clinic sports medicine specialist, low-impact exercises can help you stay active while putting less stress on your joints.
“I think everybody needs some exercise in their life, and if you’re hesitant to start, doing something low impact is generally where we advise. That means something where you’re not going to be at your maximal effort or exertion,” explains Michael Dakkak, DO, a sports medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Dakkak says walking is a simple low-impact exercise to start with. You can even make your walks more challenging by wearing a weighted vest or increasing the incline when on the treadmill.
If you’re looking for low-impact exercises that burn more calories, try swimming, rowing or the elliptical machine. These activities give you a full-body workout without putting as much stress on the joints.
For a well-rounded workout routine, be sure to mix in strength training, as well.
“Certainly, I think everyone should be strength training two to three times a week,” Dr. Dakkak says. “Strength training is important for both injury prevention and longevity. It also helps your body work more efficiently, because the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. Plus, having more muscle makes it easier to do harder movements without taxing your body as much.”
No matter what exercise you choose, Dr. Dakkak says consistency is key. If possible, he also recommends gradually making your workouts more challenging as you build strength and endurance.
