These 7 Low-Impact Cardio Workouts Are Gentle on Joints — but Still Super Sweaty
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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, when one wrong burpee could send me crashing into my downstairs neighbors' living room? Or when I wake up feeling achy, and the idea of a jump squat sends shivers down my spine? I need a different option.
Recently, I've gotten really into doing low-impact cardio workouts on YouTube. Even if you love your plyometric exercises such as burpees, star jumps, and jumping jacks, there's a place in your fitness routine for low-impact cardio. When those jumpy, intense moves are off the table — whether because you're injured, tired, a beginner, coming back to working out after a hiatus, or just don't have the space — low-impact workouts are a great alternative.
And if you think these low-impact cardio workouts are sweat-free, you'll be in for a rude awakening. All "low impact" means is that you always have some part of your body (usually a foot) on the floor, which makes the moves less jarring on the joints. though they're often confused, low impact doesn't mean low intensity; you can still get your heart pounding when doing low-impact cardio moves. You just won't be getting your knees pounding too.
Try one of the following low-impact cardio workout videos — all from our award-winning YouTube channel, PS Fit — to see for yourself; you're guaranteed to spike your heart rate and save your floorboards, while being gentle on your joints.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Mazzo and Jade Esmeralda
10-Minute Low-Impact Bodyweight Cardio Workout
If you don't have much time, we've got you covered: this fun PS Fit video workout from Nicolette Amarillas features a low-impact cardio workout that can be finished in 10 minutes. Amarillas includes beginner-friendly moves and modifications, making the class accessible for multiple levels.
10-Minute Low-Impact Standing Abs Workout
Need a few alternatives to traditional crunches? This outdoor workout from trainer Nikki Nie has you covered with a standing core series, which includes only low-impact bodyweight moves.
30-Minute Low-Impact Bodyweight Workout
Challenge yourself with Justin and Taylor Norris, founders of the LIT Method — which actually stands for "low-impact training." Commenters can't get enough of the workout or the trainers: "The energy, the enthusiasm, the exercises were all so good! Had so much fun doing it!" wrote one viewer.
10-Minute Low-Impact HIIT Workout
Craving low-impact, high-intensity workouts? Look no further. Natalie White is PS's resident queen of HIIT, but she proves in this cardio workout that you can get high-intensity training done without the impact — and fast. As White says, "It's low impact, but high energy."
30-Minute Low-Impact Cardio Workout
Up for a longer sweat session? Strengthen every muscle in your body and get your heart rate pumping this 30-minute low-impact cardio workout, led by Rachel McClusky. Commenters love McClusky's vibe as well as the workout itself. "I was feeling groggy and unmotivated, but I knew I wanted something to get my body moving," one commenter wrote. "This was the perfect workout for that. It was fun, boosted my mood, and I feel like I got a great workout in."
10-Minute Low-Impact Dance Cardio Workout
Dance cardio classes usually equal tons of jumping — but not this one. DanceBody founder Katia Pryce has a quickie 10-minute dance cardio workout that includes only low-impact moves to save your achy joints. Pop on some optional wrist weights for an added challenge.
15-Minute Low-Impact Cardio
Katie Austin leads this fun low-impact cardio workout. The bodyweight workout features progressions and modifications for different fitness levels, so you can tailor the session to exactly what you need. The best part? It's just 15 minutes long.
Maggie Ryan was an assistant editor at PS. A longtime runner and athlete, Maggie has nearly four years of experience covering topics in the wellness space, specializing in fitness, sports, nutrition, and mental health.
Lauren Mazzo was the senior fitness editor at PS. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Prior to joining PS, she worked for six years as a writer and editor for Shape Magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, mental health, sex and relationships, beauty, and astrology.
Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.