9 Low-Impact Cardio Workouts

Doing low-impact exercises doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good workout in. Low-impact simply means that the exercise is easier on your joints. Low-impact exercise have a lower rate of injury because if on land, one foot always stays on the ground. Low-impact cardio exercise can still raise your heart rate and, so it's good for your heart health. It can also help with weight loss or maintaining weight. Whether you have an injury, arthritis, or just need a break from pounding your joints in higher impact exercises, low-impact exercise is a great way to get an aerobic workout.

Here are some great low impact cardio ideas that are very effective. I share the amount of time it takes to burn 100 calories based on someone who weighs 150 pounds.

1. Walking is the easiest low-impact exercise. It’s free, and it’s a great way to keep your body moving. Don't underestimate walking. It is a great way to get your heart rate up. Walking for 20 minutes at 3 miles per hour burns 100 calories.

2. Climbing stairs can burn 100 calories in 11 minutes and running stairs burns 100 calories in a mere 6 minutes. If you want a quick workout at home, just climb your own staircase. If you want to go to outside, try a nearby high school’s bleachers. If not, go to the gym and use a stair climber.

3. Elliptical machines are a great alternative to running as they pattern the motion of running but with low impact. There is a low risk of injury and will burn 100 calories in 8 minutes.

4. Cycling is a nice way to get a good workout with less impact on your joints. Cycling outside is a fun way to change up your workout routine. If you have an indoor bike or gym membership, that is great when the weather is not good for outdoor biking. Biking at a leisurely speed for 23 minutes will burn 100 calories.

5. Swimming is also a wonderful way to get a good workout. Swimming is easy on your joints, making it a good exercise for any age. There can be a variety of workouts in the water. You can either swim laps, walk in the water, or try a water aerobics class. Swimming laps for 15 minutes at a moderate pace will burn 100 calories. Water aerobics burn 100 calories in 23 minutes.

6. Roller skating/rollerblading is a great workout to give your joints a break and it's really fun. It can really get your body moving and burns 100 calories in 13 minutes. Strap on some skates and invite a friend for a great time.

7. Hula Hooping is a fun workout! Get a hulahoop-- they are inexpensive and a fun way to burn 100 calories in 34 minutes. It could also be fun to have a hula hoop contest.

8. Step aerobics can burn 100 calories in 9 minutes while being easy on the joints. In fact, Gin Miller, started step aerobics after a knee injury.

9. Rowing is a good full-body workout. It is one of the best exercise machines at the gym. It’s also a way to increase cardiovascular strength. It’s a quick way to burn 100 calories as it only takes 13 minutes.

These are just a few low impact workouts, but there are many more exercise routines that are easy on your joints. So go and make an impact on your health.

Cindy lives in Michigan with her husband and three children. Her children keep her very active. She is a homemaker and enjoys making healthy meals at home for her family. One of her favorite activities is to exercise. She loves reading about health topics and writing on her blog. Cindy takes courses about health through Coursera and ITunes University.

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