Low‑Impact Cardio Exercises: Be Kind to Your Joints, Tough on Calories

If jumping hurts or your downstairs neighbor complains, low impact cardio exercises will be your best friend. You’ll still raise your heart rate and burn calories—just without pounding your joints.

Pick activities you enjoy so you actually repeat them: brisk walking, cycling, elliptical, swimming, or shadow boxing.

Make a simple plan

Mix two 20–30 minute steady sessions with one short interval day (e.g., 30s brisk / 30s easy). Keep effort at a level where you can speak in short sentences for steady work.

Pair with strength

Two or three short strength sessions help maintain muscle. For done‑for‑you, joint‑friendly strength, use a no‑gym plan. To connect cardio and strength into everyday capability, grab our free functional strength e‑book.

Gentle on joints, strong on results—that’s the low‑impact way.