Low-Impact Cardio Substitutions
5 Low-Impact Cardio Substitutions That Won't Destroy Your Knees (or Annoy Your Neighbours)
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While they're a classic, jumping jacks can be a tad rough on the knees. Modify a low-impact version by stepping out to your left into a jumping jack position, then coming back to centre, and repeating it on the right.
"Side steps are a great alternative to jumping jacks because you can substitute high-impact jumps, which put increased pressure on your hip and knee joints, for low-impact steps," Barnes said. "This simple aerobic exercise elevates your heart rate and burns calories when performed at a fast pace. You can also add arm movements to increase your pulse rate and and overall fat burn."
Parsons agreed: "If you can maintain good form and engage your core, pick up the pace to increase the intensity (and sweat!)," she said.