First things first, low impact does not mean low intensity. Low impact workouts are still just as hard, if not harder, than most typical high impact exercises. We all know that it’s important to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle, but heavy physical activity can sometimes have a negative impact on your body, causing some people to steer away from the idea of exercise altogether.
If you are someone who has suffered from previous injuries or you are fearful of hurting yourself, engaging in some type of low impact exercise may be the best option for you! At Inspire Seattle, we are a Lagree Fitness studio that focuses on not only physical strength, but mental strength that also takes place when you engage in forms of exercise. If you’ve never heard of Lagree, click here to read more about what it is and who created it.
Lagree is a wonderful type of exercise that everyone can engage in. It does not matter your gender, age, or athletic ability, Lagree is a very open and diverse form of exercise. Many people associate exercise and weight loss with high intensity aspects like cardio or weight lifting, which aren’t for everyone. Low impact exercises are a friendlier approach to exercise, but they are still just as powerful as high impact exercises.
If you think about Newton’s Third Law, which is the law of impact and reaction forces. For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. This can be seen in terms of fitness and especially when your body absorbs the impact forces during high-impact movements. For example, the force upon your body while running (high impact) can be more than twice that of walking (low impact). Sure, you may be able to burn more calories in a shorter period of time when you’re running, but if it’s putting that much force on your body, it’s not even worth it. Another example is that a 150 lb person who runs will land on one foot with around 300 lbs of pressure to the ankle, knee, and hip joint. High impact exercises, if not done properly, can result in overuse and fatigue, which can lead to serious injuries down the road.
For some people, high impact exercise is not even an option due. This can be because of various physical health conditions that may alter a person’s ability to engage in fitness. People who may be:
- Pregnant
- Recovering from an injury
- Suffering from chronic injuries
- A beginner exerciser
- Overweight
- Opposed to high impact exercise
Remember its important to consult with a doctor before engaging in any type of exercise, especially if you are someone who has been advised to stay away from high impact exercise.
Lagree, and other low impact exercises, also focus on building confidence in those who participate which can be a huge part when coming back to exercise after or during an injury. Lagree can help build a better body image, relieve stress, and help you feel accomplished. If you have any physical restrictions, Lagree might be the perfect option for you. Call Inspire Seattle today to get started. We can’t wait to help guide you on your fitness journey.