We all want to hit it hard at the gym — sweat pouring down the brow, muscles burning, heart rate elevated — and get the most out of our training possible.
Many people get there through running, high-intensity interval training, or playing sports like tennis.
But that is not an option for everyone. Some people are recovering from injuries or have joint issues that get aggravated by the impact of running, leaping, or jumping. But that does not mean you can’t get a powerful, fat-burning workout in.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that offers fitness classes, pickleball and tennis programs, and a junior Olympic pool. We offer classes for athletes of all ages and abilities.
In this article, you will learn what low-impact exercise is, its benefits, and what low-impact classes at the Paseo Club you can sign up for.
What does low-impact exercise mean?
Exercise is low-impact when it does not place stress or aggravation on the joints, including the hips, knees, shins, and ankles. Low-impact exercise can build muscle and increase mobility while protecting the body's musculoskeletal system.
Why would a person need low-impact exercise?
Anyone who has joint issues would benefit from doing low-impact exercises. Senior citizens, people recovering from injuries or strains, and/or people new to exercise are all great candidates for low-impact physical activity.
What are the benefits of low-impact exercise?
The benefits of low-impact exercise are extensive in the short and long term.
All-level fitness
Many low-impact exercises are accessible to anyone looking to be physically active — youth, seniors, beginners, and those with limited mobility. But low-impact is not limited to the less experienced. Even advanced athletes can get incredible workouts. Also, as you become more fit, you can adjust your work out to be more challenging.
Reduced stress
Exercise in all forms is great for your mental health. Exercise changes your body’s chemistry, releasing endorphins that boost the mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Improved body tone
Low-impact movements can help you develop muscle tone, lose fat, and create a lean physique. These exercises burn calories helping you create a calorie deficit.
Reduced joint stress
The most obvious benefit of low-impact exercise is that it helps to protect the joints while still allowing the person to exercise. This is important for people recovering from an injury, who have a history of joint injuries, arthritis, or any other joint issue.
Increased fitness level
Many people think low-impact exercise means easy exercise. But low-impact workouts can still pack a punch! When done right, low-impact movements can build muscle and increase endurance and overall athletic capacity.
Increased heart health
You do not need to push hard to care for your cardiovascular health. Simple actions like walking, swimming, and riding bikes can enhance your heart health and circulation.
Decreased chance of injury
Although many of us love the intensity of running, box jumps, or jumping rope, it can be taxing to the body. When you do low-impact exercises, you minimize overuse or straining of joints or muscle groups.
Improved coordination and balance
Depending on what low-impact movements you choose, you can improve coordination, agility, and balance. Pilates, tai chi, and yoga are great ways to improve these skills. This is especially important for older adults who are at a greater risk for falls.
Can you still get a good workout from a low-impact workout?
Yes, you can still burn fat through low-impact exercise. While low-impact exercises may not burn calories as quickly as high-impact activities, they can still be effective for fat burning, especially when performed consistently and at an appropriate intensity.
11 top low-impact fitness classes at the Paseo Club
The Paseo Club has several low-impact fitness classes. Group exercise classes are accessible to all members. Small group training is for people looking for more personalized attention and increased accountability.
Group Exercise Class
- Yoga is flow-based and includes all types of poses.
- Cycle is great for building lower-body strength while protecting your joints.
- Barre increases strength and flexibility and lengthens muscles with no impact.
- Pilates Mat builds strength from the inside out and strengthens your core.
- Liquid Cardio is a water aerobics class that uses the water and free weights for resistance.
- Strength and Tone is a resistance class with no cardio component.
Small Group Training
- TRX and Core uses the TRX suspension system and your body weight to create an awesome full-body workout.
- TRX and Pilates is a hybrid class that uses Pilates and the TRX suspension system for strength training and mobilizing.
- Pilates Reformer class creates long, lean muscles and improves posture by mobilizing your spine through several ranges of motion using the reformer and small props.
- Tribe Functional Fitness is a low-impact functional exercise workout designed to ensure you achieve all your exercise needs to be fit for life. The instructor's guide you to the correct intensity to decrease body fat, increase energy levels, achieve cardiovascular fitness, and increase functional strength.
- Pilates Body Makeover Program: The Pilates Body Makeover program is a special new addition. This program will give participants a dancer's physique through training on the Pilates reformer. Nutrition counseling and meal planning are included in the program.
Trying out low-impact exercise
Aging, injuries, or health issues do not need to sideline you from exercising. There are still ways to get strong, lean, and flexible that do not exacerbate your joints.
In this article, you learned about what low-impact exercise is, its benefits, and what low-impact classes you can sign up for at the Paseo Club.
The Paseo Club provides group, small group, and personal training options. You can select the degree of attention and guidance you need. Check out our class calendar to see all of your options. If you would like to train in a small group, visit the front desk to sign up for your favorite small group training program.
If you are not yet a member of the Paseo Club, then schedule a tour today. Check out all eight acres of the club — courts, studio, gym, cafe, spa, and more.
Read these three articles to discover more about the Paseo Club fitness classes.
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Why 6-week fitness programs make a difference in your health
Jen Azevedo is a tennis professional, pickleball professional, personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and the general manager of the Paseo Club. She loves the community at the Paseo Club and that it is also a safe and fun place for her daughter. Jen’s favorite activities are joining her tribe for trail races or her partners for tennis matches. Occasionally Jen slows down to relax with a book — she reads over 100 a year!
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