HELLO!

I’ve been a little sloppy with post every day recently as like I said in my last post, I’ve not been very well It all started with some nasty migraines and within a few days I had a full blown virus situation going down! I had a fever and neck like a pufferfish to go along with it! 

Even after that went away, like when anyone catches something, it takes you a while to feel 100% again physically.

Anyway now I’ve had a little moan, the real reason for my post today was to show you some of my fav low impact exercises! I throughrolly believe in rest when you’re ill but sometimes a little low impact exercise has helped me to feel better and sped my recovery along! Along with the fact I HATE sitting still for long periods of time and I HATE not working out even more!

Below are some good options if you are recovering from an illness, have an injury, taking a break from high intensity workouts or maybe you’re just not feeling yourself! We all know the days I’m talking about! If so. try one of these options;

• Walking – It is the simplest thing on the planet but so easily overlooked! Obviously the pace and distance will depend on specific calorie burn but a 1 hour brisk walk can burn up to 250 calories! Plus it’s a great chance to get outside and get all the benefits of the fresh air and sunshine

• Step Aerobics OR Stairs- Many gyms run step classes or you could try a routine online! Because you are stepping on to the step platform you can avoid any jumpy or jolting type movements but still get your heart rate right up and sweating off that fat! Same goes for climbing stairs or using a stepper machine at the gym.
  

  A step like this one makes a great home gym investment piece. I also use it for many strengthening moves like push ups and ab work.

• Swimming- This is a fantastic full body workout which will burn fat and tone up muscle all at the same time! It’s perfect if you are suffering with joint pain too, the water really helps to release pressure on the body and allows you to perform movements and stretches with greater flexibility. I don’t know about you but swimming always feels more like relaxing to me than it does exercise!
  

  Loving my day in the pool!

• Pilates – I have fallen in love with pilates this year! It is a perfect exercise for all abilities too as there are just simple modifications if the moves are too challenging at first. The movements focus on improving full body strength and toning, flexibility and is great for boosting circulation.

• Stationary Bike – This is a great way to work many lower body muscles while also getting your heart rate up. You also have the option to choose a recumbent bike (one with a back) to support your lower back and take pressure off the upper body while still getting in a great workout.

• Weight Training – Depending on your reason for opting for low impact exercise, weight training is a great option. Choose a weight that leaves you generally fatigued but doesn’t risk you losing perfect form or straining yourself. Do some lower impact moves such as bicep curls and triceps extensions, you could also try carrying out some low impact squats or lunges along with the resistance of the hand weights, to get your heart rate up.

So there you have it, when you’re next stuck on what exercise to do when you’re not feeling 100%, don’t just choose nothing!

There are options out there, just choose what you know will work best for your body and the condition you are in. Remember to take it easy and set a realistic goal before starting, so you don’t push yourself too far or risk feeling disappointed when you can’t do as much as normal.

What is your favourite low impact exercise and why?!

XO