Low-Impact Exercise for Lasting Fitness

When it comes to fitness, the most sustainable workouts are the ones you genuinely enjoy. If running isn’t your thing, yet you force yourself to hit the pavement or treadmill daily, not only does the workout become unpleasant, but it also becomes difficult to maintain. This is where the concept of “soft workouts” comes into play—exercises that are gentle on your body, yet incredibly effective.

What Are Soft Workouts?

Soft workouts refer to exercises that focus on low-impact movements, minimising the stress on your joints and muscles while still providing a comprehensive workout. These exercises include activities like barre and pilates. They are designed to be gentle, yet they can be tailored to provide a rigorous workout depending on your fitness level.

For example:

• Pilates: Emphasises core strength, alignment, and controlled movements, which can improve posture and stability.
• Barre: Combines elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates to strengthen muscles without the impact of traditional cardio exercises.

The Benefits of Soft Workouts

Soft workouts offer numerous benefits, making them an excellent addition to any fitness routine:

Joint-Friendly: These workouts are designed to be gentle on your joints, reducing the risk of injury and making them suitable for people of all fitness levels, including those with arthritis or other joint concerns.

Improved Flexibility and Strength: Exercises like yoga and Pilates not only enhance flexibility but also build strength in a balanced way, targeting muscles that are often overlooked in high-impact workouts.

Enhanced Mental Wellbeing: Many soft workouts incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques, which can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall mental health.

Support for Weight Management: While cardio is often seen as the go-to for weight loss, incorporating strength training with low-impact movements, like those found in barre, can be more effective. Building lean muscle supports metabolism, helping the body burn fat more efficiently.

Holistic Approach to Wellness: Soft workouts promote a holistic approach to fitness by addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. This comprehensive approach leads to sustainable, long-term results.

5 Tips for Starting Your Soft Workout Journey

Think About the Whole Picture
Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel in my skin, versus how do I want to look?” A focus on feeling good in your body can help guide your workout choices and lead to more sustainable habits.

Start Small and Build Consistency
Begin with simple steps and build from there. Consistency is key—daily, gentle movement is far more effective than sporadic, intense workouts.

Find an Accountability Buddy
Share your journey with someone who can support you. An accountability buddy can be someone to workout with, share your goals with, and keep you motivated.

Take the Plunge
Incorporate cold plunges into your routine. A cold shower or dip in the sea can enhance circulation, support mental health, and provide a refreshing reset for your nervous system.

Celebrate Your Successes
Recognize and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Sharing your goals aloud can also inspire others to join you on your wellness journey.

Experience Catie Miller’s Low-Impact Barre Workout

Catie Miller, founder of Barre Series, has designed a low-impact barre workout that you can easily do at home. This workout is perfect for those looking to strengthen their muscles, improve their balance, and enhance their overall fitness without the stress of high-impact exercises.

High Knees: Start with 2 sets of 8 reps. This exercise warms up your body and gets your heart rate up, preparing you for the workout ahead.

Plié to Curtsy Lunge: Perform 8–16 reps on each side. This move targets your thighs and glutes, helping you build strength in your lower body.

Second Position Plié: Do 2 sets of 8 on each side. Focus on your core and leg muscles, and add a relevé to challenge your balance.

First to Second Position Pliés: Alternate between first and second positions for 8–16 reps. This exercise is great for toning your legs and improving your flexibility.

Passé with Lunge Back: 2 sets of 8 reps each side. This move combines balance and strength, working your core, legs, and arms.

Tricep Kick Backs: Finish with 8–16 reps to tone your arms and shoulders, ensuring you end your workout on a strong note.

These exercises are not only effective but also adaptable, allowing you to increase the intensity as you progress. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, you can find the right level of challenge in this workout.

Join the Barre Series Community

Ready to start your fitness journey with Barre Series? We’ve have bespoke programs to guide you through a 4-week fitness and wellbeing journey. Head over to pay-as-you-go to find the program that’s perfect for you. Your community is waiting!