The truth is, we all need a little cardio in our lives. But the good news is, it doesn’t need to look how you might think: A low-impact cardio workout can help you get all the benefits, which can be great for folks who aren’t fans of traditional forms like running or , or whose joints get a little angry during them. Cardio is all about challenging and strengthening your cardiovascular system (heart and lungs), and it’s a necessary part of a movement routine if you want to optimize your health.
But it doesn’t to mean running or jumping or whatever other high-impact, repetitive movement pops into your mind. If you’re still not sold, know this: Cardio also helps you lift better, if strength training is more your jam, ACSM-certified personal trainer Asher Freeman, CPT, creator of the in Philadelphia, tells SELF. “Heavy lifts are like sprints, and we need good cardio fitness to get through them,” they explain.
“Additionally, cardiovascular fitness can make activities of daily living easier and improve overall health.” And if your concern is the impact on your , ankles, or hips, we’re here to reassure you that you can, in fact, get your heart pumping while also sparing your joints. “Biking, swimming, rowing, kettlebell flows, and using an elliptical are common examples of low-impact cardio,” Freeman says.
But good old-fashioned can also be extremely effective for high-intensity, low-impact cardio—if you do a couple of simple yet impactful things first. Fir.