High-Impact exercises are considered to be great aerobic activities, however, you need to be careful while doing these, as it could lead to bone & joint damage (in the long term).
Of late, High intensity interval training has been a craze, especially with the younger people; however you must be aware of their downsides.
What are High-Impact Exercises
In High-Impact Exercises, both your feet are in the air at the same time.
Examples – running, hopping, jumping rope, skipping, jumping jacks, plyometrics, some step aerobics (if you jump on or off the step or run around the room), and some cardio dancing that involves leaping.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of “explosive” exercise routines among people of all levels of fitness and ability.
Cult fitness regimes and the use of over-zealous personal trainers, all of which emphasise high-intensity, high-impact work, appeal to those who want to cram exercise into their hectic daily lives.
Possible Downsides?
Studies suggest that the number of people under 30 suffering hip, knee and back problems has soared four-fold due to high intensity exercise workouts. High-intensity workouts had contributed to bone and joint damage not normally seen until people reach their 60s.
Some of the popular training regimes, which can be performed at gyms or at home, can consist of a range of repetitive aerobic exercises, body weight exercises, weightlifting and gymnastics which are performed in 30-minute to hour-long workouts.
These short and intense bursts and repetitions can wreak havoc with joints and, longer-term, lead to the need for surgery.
Precautions to be taken
Young people can avoid this problem by being careful and not to over-train, and to avoid some of the exercises and training regimes that can trash the joints.
This can be achieved by adopting more moderate workouts.
There must be adequate rest days and periods in between.
Those with established joint problems should consider non-impact options such as swimming and cycling.
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