Regular exercise has a variety of benefits for your health, such as reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and a premature death. It is also especially beneficial for providing protection against obesity, high blood pressure, fractures, depression, insomnia and osteoporosis. But, if your like many people, you put off exercising because your knees are aching, your back is hurting or you just simply don’t think your joints can handle the pain and pressure. Fortunately, there are several low impact exercises that you can do that will allow you to get the exercise you need, while placing minimal stress on your body.

Yoga
Yoga is one of the most popular forms of low impact exercise, because it has a wide range of benefits. Whether you are elderly, have bad knees or a bad back, yoga will help improve your strength, flexibility and balance. One of the most important aspects of yoga is the relaxation, it provides your mind and discipline, which helps improve your overall physical health.

Swimming & Water Aerobics
Swimming is one of the most common types of low impact exercises. Swimming is a great form of cardiovascular exercise and it helps you burn a lot of calories. Water aerobics, like swimming, is extremely easy on your bones and joints. The water keeps your body buoyant, so there is reduced stress on your body.

Walking
One of the best and most beneficial form of low impact exercise, is walking. All thats required to get started is a good pair of walking shoes. You don’t have to run a marathon to benefit from walking, in fact just going for a brief, 15-minute walk each day will help to reduce joint pain, help you sleep better at night and give your heart the exercise it needs to stay strong. Walking is ideal for anyone, regardless of age or weight.

Stretching and Core Exercises
Pilates is a type of stretching and core exercise that is excellent for reducing the pain and discomfort of sciatica and age related back problems. Pilates will help tone your body as well as strengthen and lengthen your muscles, without creating bulk. It is an excellent way to improve your posture and circulation as well as strengthen your lower back and abdominal’s.

One of the most common myths about exercise is that it cause arthritis. The fact is studies have shown that low impact exercise is not only safe for the joints, but can actually reduce pain and strengthen joints in those with arthritis. Most people avoid exercising when they are in pain, but regular low impact exercise is an effective way to overcome chronic pain, because it stimulates endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killers. Depending on your specific health condition, age and weight, it may be beneficial to talk with your doctor about a safe, low impact exercise program for your specific needs.