Experts in This Article

However, this in-vogue word might be causing some confusion in fitness.

Mainly with the difference between low impact and low intensity.

Because, guess what, these workouts are not the same thing.

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First things first, lets get these workout types defined.

What is a low-intensity workout?

This doesnt mean theyre not an important part of a fitness routine.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

And, frankly, theyre just really enjoyable.

Just because this workout has the word low in the title does not make it easy.

Unlike low-intensity workouts, low impact does not refer to the amount of exertion youre undertaking.

Woman doing hip exercises

Instead, its about how much (or how little) external stress youre putting on your joints.

For example, squats can either be low impact or high impact.

A low impact squat is a bodyweight squat, maybe slowed down so you achieve moretime under tension.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

The benefit of low-impact workouts are that they deliver muscular development without causing that wear and tear.

Low-impact workouts are far more sustainable for the body, Price says.

They minimize injury, and they also promote recovery.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

Prices favorite low-impact workout moves involve slow and controlled movements (like during an SLT class).

Weights, ankle weights, and bands are always great to add in, too!

Can low-impact and low-intensity workouts overlap?

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

A workout can be low impact and low intensity, such as walking or gentle yoga.

Get low in the way that feels right to you.

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A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles