LOW IMPACT, but High Intensity Workout Recommendation?

mariabee

I usually engage in high impact and high intensity workouts (ie: lots of jumping, bouncing around, P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire, running and step classes are my favorite) but I keep re-injuring my foot (bruised achillies, probably as a result of collapsed arch in my left foot - made the mistake of switching from my beloved Asics to another brand, and regret it big time! Back to my Asics now but I can't rest more than a few days before I start going snaky).

Can you recommend a high intensity but LOW IMPACT workout where I'm sweating like mad! I feel like if I'm not working out HARD, I am not working out. Know what I mean? I"m sure some of you do.

I also play tennis, but it's too cold outside still, some suggestions that can be done at home or in a gym would be nice. I've tried YouTube, but not much exists.

Any tips would be great.

piinchi

The first thing that comes to my mind would be swimming. It is a full-body workout that gets your heart rate up but puts almost no impact on your muscles. If you have any access to a pool, it would be great for you. Many cities have a town pool or a YMCA for reasonable rates. Swimming and stationary cycling are what I use for low-impact intense cardio workouts when I'm soothing a shin splint or a sore foot from running.

Yoga and pilates can be very intense depending on the type of workout. It is a little different than sweaty, cardio stuff, but for strength and balance it really can't be beat and you can adjust your personal intensity depending on what hurts or is in need of healing.

And I hope you feel better! :flowerforyou:

allysonvb

Zumba or aqua Zumba?

mariabee

Swimming! Yes... of course.

I've never heard of Aqua Zumba, I'll look in my area.

Thanks

MJ723

I'm not sure if you have access to a treadmill or a bike... but I have a couple options I use inbetween really intense workout days to cut some of the stress from my joints.

On the treadmill, I'll do intervals with different levels of both speeds and incline. I do something similar on the bike (much like a spin class) with increasing speed and resistance. You could also add intervals of weight resistance like various squats, pushups, ab routines, etc. Mixing up the intervals should be enough to get your heart going with a good sweat!

upgetupgetup

Lol, can totally relate.

Have you been pain-free for a good while (couple of months)? Can you put weight on the foot?

IF YES

the only kind of high intensity that I think comes close to Insanity sweat would be metabolic circuits with weights ('Spartacus' is one, for Googling purposes).

You could also do Jillian Michael's No More Trouble Zones with heavier weights than in the DVD, that one has no impact except in the warmup, I think. Haven't tried Chalean Extreme or Les Mills Body Pump but I think those are in the same vein.

Alternate upper body/core (mountain climbers; pushups - off the ground, off a ball or bench, T-pushups; punches from a deep squat) with leg stuff (high energy kicks, eg, front back side, all on one leg; lunge/kick or squat/kick combos; step-ups or step-downs; single leg bridges). Pick like 5-7 and do them in 1 minute rounds. (I think that's basically the Zuzka Light formula.)

When you're doing things like mountain climbers or burpees (if you can), don't jump out, step out. Just do them *faster* to get the heart rate up.

xprettyreckless

The lowest impact activity that I can think of that's still high intensity, is incline walking on the treadmill.

If you set the incline at 10-15% and walk at a 4mph pace, you'll be sweating in no time.
*plus, it burns a LOT of calories!!

mariabee

Great ideas, thanks everyone. Also, spinning! Just thought of it last night.

jallison12

Step machine. Zero impact and go as hard as you want.