Beginner-friendly workouts to help you get started

Starting a fitness journey doesn’t have to be intense, intimidating, or hard on your joints. Low impact workouts are perfect for beginners, older adults, or anyone even recovering from an injury.

These exercises are gentle on the body yet effective for building strength, improving flexibility, and boosting overall health.
Low impact exercises target muscle groups, improve endurance, and boost circulation without causing unnecessary strain.
Suitable for all ages, making them ideal for beginners, seniors, or those easing back into activity.
And you don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership — just a little space and motivation.

10 low impact, beginner-friendly workouts to help you get started:

1. Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible workouts. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens leg muscles, and boosts mood without stressing your joints. Start with 15–20 minutes daily and gradually increase your pace or distance.

2. Marching in Place

Perfect for rainy days or small spaces, marching in place keeps your heart rate up while improving coordination. Pump your arms and lift your knees slightly higher for extra engagement.

3. Seated Leg Lifts

Great for people with limited mobility, seated leg lifts target your core and thighs. Sit tall on a chair, extend one leg straight out, hold for a few seconds, then lower. Alternate legs for 10–15 reps each.

4. Side Leg Raises

This move strengthens the hips and outer thighs. Stand behind a chair for balance, slowly lift one leg out to the side, and lower with control. Repeat on both sides.

5. Wall Push-Ups

An easier variation of push-ups, wall push-ups build upper body strength without putting pressure on your wrists or lower back. Stand at arm’s length from the wall, place your palms flat, bend your elbows, and push back to starting position.

6. Step Touch

A fun, rhythmic exercise, step touch involves stepping side-to-side while gently swinging your arms. It’s great for warming up or doing light cardio at home.

7. Gentle Yoga Stretches

Beginner yoga moves like Cat-Cow, Child’s Pose, and Mountain Pose help increase flexibility, improve posture, and reduce stiffness.

8. Standing Knee Lifts

Lift one knee toward your chest while engaging your core, then alternate. This works your abs, balance, and hip mobility — all with minimal impact.

9. Mini Squats

Stand with feet hip-width apart, bend your knees slightly as if sitting on an invisible chair, and return to standing. Keep movements slow and controlled to protect your knees.

10. Resistance Band Rows

If you have a resistance band, try band rows to strengthen your back and arms. Loop the band around a sturdy object, hold both ends, and pull toward your torso while keeping elbows close to your body.

Essential tips: