Five Cross-Training Exercises that are Easy on the Joints

By Lauren Turinetti | March 11, 2018

Cross-training can be a great way to prepare your body while you work toward a bigger fitness goal. That being said, sometimes certain exercises can be painful. If you are working through an injury, or just starting up after a long break, sometimes finding cross-training exercises that are good for your overall health, but not painful can help you in your fitness journey. Below are five cross-training exercises that are easy on the joints. Keep in mind, before conducting any exercise, make sure to be cleared by a doctor or health care provider for exercise.

Jumping Rope

Jumping Rope can be a great exercise that trains several muscles at once. The feet and calves are engaged with the jumping motion and your arms and forearms are engaged as you swing the rope over your head. It also is fairly low impact cardio compared to other forms of exercise, though make sure to warm up your calves and forearms especially, as they will be used quite a bit in this exercise.

Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers is a great exercise that promotes increased conditioning as well as core stabilization. To execute mountain climbers, start by being in the top position of a push-up, either on the floor or placing your hands on a bench or some higher surface. Then, bring your knees up towards your chest, one at a time. Pick a speed that is good for you, yet still challenging.

Swimming

Swimming is an all-around great exercise that is easy on the joints and has great benefits. It can increase your overall fitness like few exercises can and can be done safely as well. If have a swimming pool installed in your home or have regular access to one, this is a great way to cross-train during the week when you take a break from your regular routine.

CrossFit

CrossFit can help you get a great workout in, no matter what your condition is, though you may want to jump in a hot tub for achy muscles after! With a CrossFit trainer leading you throught every workout, we can help scale workouts to your abilities. If you come to us with an existing injury, we’ll not only help you work around it, but maybe even help improve the condiition.

Biking

Biking can be a great alternative to running or other strenuous forms of exercises. It is much easier on your legs then running, as you are not taking a continuous pounding on them. Biking can be done either inside on a spinner or outside in nature.

In the end cross-training exercises can be a great way to get a workout in while still being easy on your body. That being said, joint pain can sometimes make them almost impossible to do. Hopefully the list above helps give you some cross-training exercises to choose from that will not hurt your joints.

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