Hate Running? You're Not Alone
While a great way to get in shape, running can cause a lot of stress on your joints -- not to mention shin splints. Depending on where you live, running outdoors also may not be very practical. The good news is that you have several low-impact alternatives to running. Whether it's using classic equipment like stationary bikes and elliptical machines, or more unique trendy gadgets like hula hoops and BOSU trainers, there are plenty of less-painful ways for you to get in shape
Classic and Reliable
Whether you're at the gym, or downstairs in your basement, the essential low-impact fitness equipment you should focus on are the elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and rowing machines.
Pedal and Glide
Elliptical machines are one of the most popular pieces of equipment at your local gym. Much like a stationary bike (and unlike the treadmill), exercising on an elliptical machine causes little to no stress on the ankles, shins, and knees. You don't get the same impact as you do with running on a treadmill, because your feet are on pedals that provide a smooth, elliptical motion similar to running and biking at the same time.
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates are other great low-impact exercises you can do in your home. Increase your strength, flexibility and stamina with low-impact stretches and exercises. You can even have a personal Yoga instructor courtesy of the Wii Fit!
Trendy and Fun
There are many fitness gadgets advertised on TV. Some of the most effective new low-impact exercise devices are the TreadClimber, BOSU balance trainer, Ab Lounge Ultra, Ab Roller, Perfect Pushup, inversion tables, and Hula Hoops (yes, they're still fun).
Hips and Hoops
Burn calories while having old-fashioned fun. Hula Hoops are not just toys anymore! Now you can swivel off the pounds while having a great low-impact aerobic workout that is fun for all age groups. A great family fitness activity that parents can do with their children. Helps improve posture and tones several muscle groups including oblique muscles, hip flexors, and glutes.
Tread and Climb
Why run, when you can walk? Bowflex's TreadClimber merges a treadmill with a stepper, which reduces your exercise time with a super-efficient, low impact workout.
Bounce and Roll
Exercise balls (also called stability balls and balance balls) look like big, brightly colored rubber balls that belong in a romper room. Using one of these balls during exercise (rather than just a flat surface) causes your body to engage your ab and back muscles to remain balanced. These muscles become stronger over time. So, even swapping out your office chair with a balance ball chair will help you burn calories and strengthen your muscles -- just by sitting!
Wet and Teathered
If you own a swimming pool, get a Home Swimmer, which allows you to swim as far as you want, regardless of the size of your pool. Home Swimmer is a portable stationary swimming system designed to allow residential pool owners, business travelers, and others to use smaller-than-Olympic size pools for an effective, low-impact fitness swimming experience at home or on the road.
Fit and Nimble
When it comes to weight-loss, any increase in daily physical activity can help. If joining a gym seems a bit too intimidating, there are easier, more private ways to jump start a physically healthy lifestyle. The Nintendo Wii and its Wii Sports games have been a fun and successful way of getting typically inactive people off the couch and "playing" sports. The new Wii Fit introduces users to strength and balance exercises, as well as cardio and yoga!
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