Look, I'm all about the jumping, sprinting, high-impact cardio when I'm exercising outside or in my gym's studio. But when it comes to working out in my apartment [1], when one wrong burpee could send me crashing into my downstairs neighbours' living room? Not the best idea.
Recently, I've gotten really into low-impact YouTube cardio workouts. I know, I know — you love your burpees, your star jumps, your jumping jacks. But I'm here to tell you that when those jumpy, intense moves are off the table, low-impact workouts can make you break a sweat [2] just as well. Try one of the following eight workout videos to see for yourself; you're guaranteed to spike your heart rate [3] and save your floorboards while giving your joints a break, too.
Low-Impact Cardio Workout by Class FitSugar
If you only have 20 minutes to sweat, this low-impact cardio class is a good choice. You'll repeat three fast, efficient circuits, going twice through for each one, to ensure you nail all the moves and increase your heart rate.
Low Impact Cardio + Abs Workout by Heather Robertson
"No repeats, no jumping, no equipment": this 23-minute, core-focussed cardio routine will keep you engaged and sweating without any floor-shaking, high-impact moves. Featured exercises include squat and punch combinations, mountain climber [4] variations, plank walkouts, and squats to get your heart pumping and your abs working.
30-Minute Low-Impact Dance Grooves Workout
This low-impact routine isn't exactly dance cardio, but it's close: each move is done on beat, which means the sweat doesn't stop until the music does.
12 Minutes to Burn Fat: Low-Impact Cardio Workout by Blogilates
The intense structure of this Blogilates workout means you're basically guaranteed a burn, so embrace it! You'll do each move for a minute, then transition into an even more difficult pulse or isometric hold for the last 30 seconds.
Low-Impact 30-Minute Cardio Workout — Beginner/Intermediate by Body Project
This workout meets you wherever you are and at whatever fitness level you need. The work portions are done in 30-second intervals followed by a (much-needed) 15-second period of rest, and you'll be doing compound but low-impact moves like squats with punches and lunges.
Low Impact Cardio, No Jumping Workout by Heather Robertson
You barely even need a mat for this 16-minute, low-impact routine: the only floor exercises that trainer Heather Robertson has for you are plank walkouts and triceps push-ups [5]. Enjoy the music and the sweat!
Low-Impact Cardio Workout That's Perfect For Beginners, Too!
You have a couple of jumping options in this 35-minute workout, but the low-impact modifications (like pulses!) are just as challenging. It's great for all levels, and you can always push into the higher-intensity moves when you start to get stronger!
Low-Impact, High-Intensity Intermediate Home Cardio Workout by Team Body Project
Low impact, high intensity, barely any rest: that's what's in store in this 30-minute workout from Team Body Project. Trainer Daniel Bartlett blends moves together creatively and provides a constant stream of cues and encouragement to keep you motivated!