We often behave like "true enthusiasts" in certain subject matters! But it does not necessarily mean that we will be right in all our conceptions about the particular subject. For example, we know that exercising is good for our health. But can we say that we have known about all types of workouts, the do's and don'ts, the particular moves to benefit particular areas, muscles or conditions? But we still try to manage sometime everyday to perform some types of workouts.
Misconceptions on the basic exercising principles can lead to wrong performances. This, in turn, can prevent you from meeting your fitness goals. So what will be the end result of intense sweating and so much of "fatigued" feelings? Nothing! So it is very essential to gather proper knowledge on some of the basic concepts of fitness. Some of us do not have a proper idea about the concept of high and low impact exercises.
There is a general belief among most people that high impact exercises burn more calories than the low impact ones. There are two different terms - "intensity" and "impact" which create confusion in people's minds. People find it difficult to differentiate between the two terminologies. Intensity refers to level or degree while impact is a mechanical term that relates to "shock" or "force".
Based on impact, exercises can be mainly classified into two major categories - low impact and high impact exercises. Each type comes with its own advantages as well as disadvantages. Your requirements and fitness level will determine the type of exercises that you need to perform.
Let us have a closer view on low as well as high impact exercises:
Low Impact Exercises
Low impact exercises do not offer excessive pounding or force on the lower body joints, and thus, these exercises are kinder to the muscles and joints in comparison to the high impact ones. They should be preferred in case you have bone and joint problems such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Low impact exercises will also benefit special populations including aged persons, obese individuals and pregnant women.
Exercises like walking, hiking, cycling, rollerblading, step aerobics, swimming, aqua aerobics and the ones that involve using elliptical machines, can all be included in the low impact workout category. In low impact exercises, at least one of your feet remains in contact with the ground. Low impact exercises are suitable for the beginners as the body can easily adjust to the stress of exercising. After your fitness level improves, you can now move towards the high impact exercises.
High Impact Exercises
High impact exercises offer a much severe rebound force. These exercises put more stress on the body, especially on the spine and the lower limb joints. In most of the high impact exercises, both the feet leave the ground at the same time. Activities like running, hopping, skipping, some step aerobics (if you jump off and over the step), plyometrics and certain dance forms are considered as high impact exercises. High impact exercises can strengthen the bones much efficiently compared to low impact exercises. Individuals with healthy bones and joints can opt for these exercises. Athletes and individuals with good fitness level can also perform high impact aerobic exercises.
Which is Better and What should We Choose?
Ideally, a fitness program should have the right combination of low impact as well as high impact exercises. Each type has its own advantage. But the specific factors that will decide your choice include your fitness levels, and your muscle, bone and joint health. Before starting off, take care to go for a consultation with your physical therapist. This is especially applicable if you are going for high impact exercises.
You need to note that you can perform any type of exercises, but at the end of the day, it is your effort that will matter the most! The effort that you put in any workout, will determine the degree of benefits that you will receive! Keeping yourself up-to-date with the basic concepts of fitness will allow you to realize your fitness objectives.
