LOW IMPACT high intensity

Build strength and cardiovascular fitness without pounding your joints and ligaments, with this workout from PT Sarah Campus

- Sarah Campus

Think that low on impact means low in results? Think again! You don't have to run and jump I TO to get a sweat on. With the right moves you can rev your heart rate up while reducing the pummelling on your joints. The trick is to choose compound exercises (those that use multiple muscles at once, such as squats), complete lots of repetitions, add weights, reduce the rest or increase the time under tension (think, squat holds). You could even do some little pulses mid-move to ramp up the intensity. For a low-impact fix that will work your muscles as well as your cardio system, try this circuit from PT Sarah Campus.

HOW TO DO IT

Complete the exercises in order, spending 30 seconds on each move and then resting for 15 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Perform four rounds in total, taking one-minute of rest between circuits.

STANDING MARCH

• Stand, holding on to a wall for balance, if needed.

• March on the spot, bending alternate knees up towards your chest (A&B).

• Make sure you keep your body straight throughout the movement.

HALF BURPEE 

• Perform half burpees by beginning in a standing position with your feet placed shoulder-width apart.

• Bend your knees and hips to lower into a squat (A).