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7 Fun Low-Impact Workouts You Should Try this Autumn

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This autumn, why not get out of the gym and try something new? Exploring the beauty of life around your city. Or try a class that you've always considered but never dared participate in. You can do a variety of excellent low-impact workouts, and yet still get in great shape. Now that bikini season is over, you'll be under less pressure to get in "prime condition." It's time to have some fun with your workouts, and take it easy on your joints too!

1. Fusion Classes

Have you ever tried to do dance and Yoga at the same time? Or cardio Pilates? Fusion classes are all the rage, and they're a fun way to get in shape in a new and unique way. This workout involves two or more different styles of exercise, and combines them in a way that you'd never have dreamed of before. You'd be amazed at the crazy combinations people can dream up when they're trying to come up with new exercise programs--which may be surprisingly fun!

2. Paddleboarding

This is somewhat of a cross between surfing and kayaking, and you'll find that it's a great workout for your upper body. Stand-up paddleboarding is done using a paddle to propel your board out onto the water. Those on the West Coast will no doubt have heard of this style of boarding, and you'll find that there's even crazy combinations like Paddleboard Yoga. What a fun way to get in shape before it gets too cold to swim!

3. Aqua Aerobics

Most people think of Aqua Aerobics as being for senior citizens only, but there are many hardcore water aerobics classes for the younger generation. Imagine trying to run in place while knee deep in water, or trying to do inverted push-ups while half submerged. It's a pretty intense form of exercise/cardio, and yet the water makes it very easy for your joints. These classes tend to be low-impact workouts that get you breathing hard!

4. Swimming

There's nothing quite like a good swim to take the edge off the late summer/early autumn heat--particularly in the south of the country (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, etc.). Swimming is very low impact--easy on the joints--but it's amazing for both your cardio endurance and for your upper body muscles. As long as you're actually swimming and not just splashing around, you can get in amazing shape. The best part: you can swim in a heated indoor pool even throughout the chilly winter.

5. Canoeing or Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing both involve very little stress placed on your knee and ankle joints, and it's pretty easy on your arm and shoulder joints as well. It will work those upper body muscles like nothing else can, and you'll find that you're in much better shape after just a few weeks of hard rowing.

6. Inline Skating

Inline skating is a bit hard on your feet and ankles, but it's actually quite good for those with tender knees and arms. You'll be amazed by how quickly you can tire out, and you'll love the feeling of speeding down the street on those slick inline wheels. Whether you train on the streets or at a track, it's a good way to take the pressure off your upper body.

7. Walking/Hiking


If you want the ultimate low impact workout, let Mother Nature be your trainer! Taking a walk/hike out into the forest or mountains near your home will allow you to see the beauty of the autumn wilderness, while easily walking away those calories. A daily walk in the park can help you to prepare for those weekend-long hiking and camping trips you'll plan with your family. It's a low-impact exercise that involves a whole lot of fresh air--it doesn't get better than this.

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The 4 Things You Need to Consider Before Your Workout

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.



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