Working out is a challenge, especially for people who aren’t used to exercising on a regular basis. Once you’ve established a healthy fitness routine, it is so much easier to keep going. That being said, if your workouts leave you feeling absolutely miserable, then the problem may not be with your body at all. The problem may be the type of workout you’re doing.

High vs. Low Impact Fitness
High impact fitness, which includes activities like soccer, football, and gymnastics, can leave your joints hurting if your body is not used to performing at such a high level. While weight lifting and contact sports might be a good fit for hardcore athletes, it’s okay to start with less intensive exercises. Among those who exercise regularly, up to 36% attend fitness classes. So if you’re looking to improve your personal health without pushing your body to the breaking point, low impact fitness classes can do you wonders.

Keep in mind that low impact and easy are not synonymous. Low impact exercises are simply those that don’t put so much pressure on your joints and muscles while still allowing you the cardio and movement you need to stay active and fit. These types of exercises include:

  • Swimming
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Zumba
  • Indoor cycling classes

Low impact workouts like indoor cycling classes allow you to keep moving and burning those calories without putting too much stress on your body and leaving you too sore to function the next morning.

When your daily sweat session leaves you feeling bruised and broken, listen to your body.

Workouts That Work For You
A fitness routine should make you want to establish a long-term healthy lifestyle, not to make you quit before you begin. That’s why it’s so important to find fitness classes and exercises that work for your body and experience level. Here are three of our favorite low impact workouts to burn calories and lose weight without the agony.

  1. Walking. Walking is a great low impact exercise for those who really don’t like impact on their joints. For true fitness beginners, this is often the best place to start. By beginning with a 10-minute walk every day and then gradually working yourself up to a longer workout, you can burn up to 141 calories in 45 minutes.
  2. Indoor cycling classes. Indoor cycling studios offer an incredible workout with terrific fitness results, without high impact. By riding a bike instead of pounding the pavement, you relieve any pain that may occur in your joints or ankles. Plus, you won’t miss out on the intense calorie burning you’re looking for from a fitness class. A single hour can help you burn up to 600 calories, enough to lose one pound a week for some people.
  3. Zumba. Zumba is best for those who easily get bored while working out and want to liven things up. These aerobic dance classes not only help you burn up to 300 calories in a 45 minute period, but they’re also fun for both experienced and inexperienced athletes alike.

High impact workouts are great for those who want to improve their fitness and increase muscle strength. However, for anyone just beginning to establish a healthy lifestyle, low impact fitness classes are the perfect place to get started. Remember: you want to find exercises that help you shed pounds, not tears.