A simple definition of high impact exercise would be any activity where your feet leave the ground at the same time. Jumping rope, running, and jumping jacks are high impact exercises. Most high impact exercises can improve coordination, agility, balance, and endurance. The jarring and intensity of higher impact activities means you need to closely evaluate if it is appropriate for you to start an exercise routine that involves high impact movement. Consulting your physician before starting a high impact exercise routine should also be considered the first step.
One of the great things about high impact exercises is that they are often the activities that we did as children, like jumping rope or hopping up and down. Re-learning some of these skills can take us back to a simpler time, when we moved for fun, not just because it’s “healthy” for us. Mastering high impact activities can also be it’s own reward. Initially the effort, coordination, and intensity make it seem very hard, but when you learn the skills and see improvement in your levels of fitness and health, you’ll be glad you put in the time and effort.
High Impact and Bone Health
Jumping Rope
