Low-impact aerobics are any activities that involve large muscle groups and continuous rhythmic activity with at least one foot on the floor at all times. This style of aerobics has developed over the years as a way for exercisers to reduce injuries caused by overuse often associated with higher-impact exercise.

For those of us considering lap-band surgery, this kind of exercise is ideal. Most low-impact aerobics include controlled arm and leg movements. As you get more fit, you can adapt low-impact aerobics to be more intense by using bigger movements with your arms and legs. So, after you’ve been walking for a few months and are more fit, increase the length of your stride or the speed of your steps and arm movement.

Low impact aerobics cover a wide range of activities:

- Walking

- Bicycling

- Swimming

- Dancing

- Racket sports

- Rowing

- Cross country skiing

- Aerobic machines

- Water aerobics

Whatever activity you choose, you should start with a mild warm-up and stretching and conclude with a cool-down period.

If you haven’t tried a low-impact aerobic program, you’re missing out. Low impact aerobics make you feel great and strengthen your heart and lungs. Low impact aerobics also help your body use oxygen more efficiently, which helps in fat burning. They also reduce your risk of developing diabetes and help you recover faster from being sick. Stressed out? Low impact aerobics can help there, too.

If you do start an exercise program, make sure you see your physician regularly, and make sure you’re aware of any implications that the current state of your health may have on an exercise regimen. And don’t overdo it when you get started for the first time…take it easy. The benefits of a low-impact aerobic regiment are realized over time…not from one crazy sweat-drenched morning that requires days to recover from and motivates us to never try it again.