5 Low Impact Exercises for Your Feet

September marks Healthy Aging Month, so now’s a great time to consider how your exercise routine may change over time. As you grow older, staying active can help protect your heart, and allow you to maintain a healthy weight. At the same time, you may lose muscle mass in your senior years. Plus, you may be dealing with joint pain. And your body is less equipped to recover from high impact workouts. Which is why looking for low impact exercises will protect your feet—and your overall wellbeing.

Why Low Impact Workouts are Great for Seniors

If you have arthritis, joint or bone pain, low impact exercise shouldn’t hurt. But, you may be wondering: can they offer the same heart benefits as higher impact exercise? Luckily, research suggests they can. Plus, research shows that low impact exercise can produce similar benefits to more intense workouts. And it may even help you recover from other injuries, while building or maintaining strength. (And preventing future foot pain.)

5 Low Impact Workouts to Try Right Now

These are some of the top choices for low impact exercise. Each can boost your heart rate without putting pressure on your feet and joints.

Pool-based Exercise

Working out in the water supports your body putting less stress on your joints and muscles. If you love weight training or running, moving your exercises into the pool or joining a water aerobics class can help you stick to your training without hurting your body.

Walking

When you walk, you can boost your cardio and core strength. But this low impact exercise does put some pressure on your feet. So choose supportive footwear when you exercise. And consider orthotics if foot or heel pain becomes a concern as you move.

Yoga

When you practice yoga, you can increase strength, balance and flexibility. Together, these three things can help prevent falls, and protect your mobility.  Even better? A yoga practice can help you manage stress, and improve your overall mood.

Chair Workouts

If your mobility is already compromised, or you find it hard to stand for long periods of time, chair-based workouts can still offer many benefits. Programs like Silver Sneakers offer chair-based classes, but you can also make up your own routine with hand weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight.

Tai Chi
The ancient practice of Tai Chi boosts flexibility, balance and stability. If you embrace a regular practice, it can also help you manage the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Before you start a new exercise routine, it’s important to get clearance from your healthcare provider. So, if you want to explore any of the low impact exercises we’ve suggested, make an appointment with our Westfield, IN podiatrist. Dr. David Sullivan will conduct a thorough foot and ankle exam and help you find the safest exercise routine to meet your needs.