Why choose low impact over high intensity interval training?
Written by
Gina Mason
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Low-impact cardio workouts focus on protecting joints and practicing sustainable routines rather than high-intensity interval training. They allow for daily persistence with no risk of injury and steady improvement in endurance. This permits similar cardiovascular benefits without incident or overuse injuries characteristic of high-intensity workouts. Through consistency, not extreme exercise, you reap the lasting benefits of your workout program.
Joint Preservation
- Reduces joint stress by 50-90% compared to HIIT jumps
- Prevents cartilage damage from repetitive high impact
- Eliminates compression forces on knees and spine
Sustainability Factors
- Allows daily workouts without mandatory recovery days
- Reduces burnout risk from cortisol spikes in HIIT
- Maintains consistent calorie burn through steady effort
Accessibility
- Requires no advanced fitness level for participation
- Adapts easily for injury recovery or chronic conditions
- Needs minimal equipment compared to HIIT setups
Long-term joint health makes low-impact exercise superior for steady exercisers. High-impact interval training can cause accumulated damage due to constant impact forces. Low-impact options, such as swimming or cycling, help preserve cartilage integrity for decades. Mobility stays intact with years of regular activity.
Constant effort yields similar results to extreme effort with less stress. HIIT burns calories faster per session, but low-impact burns more per week because you do it daily. You don't need recovery days because they don't allow for as many calories to be accounted for over the course of the week. Your body changes through consistent and patient work.
Accessibility opens fitness to more people with different physical capabilities. Low-impact exercises are more suitable for beginners, seniors, and rehabilitation from injuries. HIIT has a much greater initial fitness requirement than many people can safely meet. This emphasis on accessibility means that fitness is accessible to a wider range of populations and can be achieved more safely.
Read the full article: 10 Low Impact Cardio Workouts Revealed
