Stay Active with Low Impact Fitness

Visiting Homberg Chiropractic and Wellness – your Knoxville chiropractor - can help relieve pain and prevent injuries, but being active is also a great way to help keep your spine healthy. A 10-minute walk each day is enough to help improve your health and prevent conditions of the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body. In today's post, we will show you how you can stay active with low impact fitness.

Here are a few suggestions of other activities to include in your daily routine to help prevent pain and reduce stress:

Activities To Help You Stay Active with Low Impact Fitness

Yoga and Pilates:

Yoga and Pilates are forms of exercise that focus on moving the body while focusing on breathing and body awareness. The poses are purposeful and usually work a few areas of the body at once, including the back and leg muscles to build a stronger foundation for other movements. The poses often focus on balance which is important to prevent falls and injuries as we age. Compared to higher impact activities that cause added strain to the body, Yoga and Pilates are known to be gentle for healthy and even injured individuals.

However, it’s extremely important to be aware of your body and to adapt movement to your skill level. We see several yoga injuries monthly. I advise you to skip such poses as the plow and headstands. Especially for beginners, class size is extremely important. Try to find a class that includes no more than five to seven students so the instructor can give each student individual attention.

Studies have shown that regular practice has led to a decrease in back pain. The great thing about Yoga and Pilates is that there are several types of classes catered to your specific skill and comfort level.

Water Fitness

Water fitness is a dynamic, low impact activity that usually involves the entire body in movement, including the abdominals, gluteal, and leg muscles. Because the movements are done in water, the water adds extra resistance to strengthen muscles and minimizes the impact on your joints. Water fitness has been shown to be an effective management tool for those suffering from certain injuries allowing them to keep active. Notably, people suffering from low back pain may benefit from water exercise or gently swimming in water. Contact your gym to see if water fitness is part of their regular programming.

Tai Chi

This Chinese martial art focuses on meditative, deep breathing combined with methodical practice of slow movement enhancing mobility and balance among those who practice the art. Tai Chi is known to have major health benefits – even for those with back pain. Tai Chi can improve pain and function while decreasing the likelihood of chronic pain.

Other activities you may want to consider are low-impact cardiovascular exercises such as walking or striding on the elliptical machine. There are always alternatives to staying active, even when you experience pain. Some of these can even help relieve the pain.

At Homberg Chiropractic and Wellness, we are all about getting you moving and keeping you out of pain. Schedule a visit with us so we can help you develop a fitness plan that is right for you! How will you stay active with low impact fitness?