The Perks of Low Impact Exercise

 

One thing that I have learned from my collegiate soccer career, is the benefit of low impact exercise. That sounds kind of crazy right?!? Let me explain. Low impact exercise refers to any kind workout that does NOT require the impact of any joints on a concrete surface.  One foot remains on the ground at a given time. As an athlete I always wanted to push my body to become stronger and faster.  I didn't give much thought as to HOW doing this would affect me post career and into my older age.  I love to run and do basically any kind of high impact activities however it is not a secret that as healthy as these activities are for you, they do take a certain toll on your body.  Overtime, the repetitive impact trama on your joints can lead to arthritis, osteopenia and other joint problems. Our joints take the brunt of our workouts and it's important to not discount what they do for you.  So what can we do to protect our joints and make positive steps to workout out in a way that is not only healthy for us now but also in the future?

ANSWER:

 
Low Impact Machines                           Low Impact Activities
                Biking                                                                                          Pilates
             Swimming                                                                               Rock wall Climbing
               Rowing                                                                                           Yoga
            Stair master                                                                              Abdominal Exercises
              Elliptical                                                                                         Walking
          Weight lifting                                                                                  Rollerblading

Low impact exercise is a great option particularly for people who suffer or have suffered from knee, ankle, back, wrist or hip injuries.  By choosing a low impact exercise you are giving your injury more time to heal but still challenging your cardiovascular system and staying fit.  Minimizing the pounding on your joints is not only going to help you maintain strong, healthy joints but it will also protect your ability to be active for life. :)

Athletes who are engaged in high impact exercise their whole life may be very fit but also can be causing some long term damage on their joints.  That is why it is important to cross train in a way that relieves some of the pressure on your joints while still challenging yourself every training session.  Not only will you be protecting your body post career, but you will be lengthening the amount of your life that you can engage in high intensity exercise.

Everyone can benefit from incorporating low impact exercises into their weekly workout or training regimen!  Low impact is not only safe but if done correctly it can be a high calorie burning, strenuous & challenging workout !!

LETS BEGIN!

One thing that I want to help give my readers is a consistent healthy lifestyle.  I wish for them a vocabulary free of words like diets and revolving trending fad brands. Research shows that 50% of goals set are lost within 6 months of setting them on New Years day.  Why is this?? ... Because no matter what kind of "diet" you are on the moment you stop it and revert back to your previous lifestyle you will gain the weight right back.  A diet is a temporary solution to look and feel better.  Committing to a healthy lifestyle will not only help you manage your weight but feel good because you are finally receiving all the nutrients your body is craving.

So to fresh up on what your plate should look like:

 

PLLLEAASSEEE do not think that for ONE second that by committing to a healthy lifestyle you can not eat cake, ice cream, chips, fries, chocolate etc. If you believe that, then you will never sustain the weight you desire.  Understand this one tip and remind yourself of this consistently: I CAN EAT SNACK FOODS, JUST NOT ALL THE TIME! Sometimes when people diet they think they can't eat anything with sugar, fat or carbs and that is such an easy way to break down.  I will help teach you how to build a personal strategy.  For example if you are going out to dinner with your friends at night, make it a point to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch. Throughout this blog you will learn about yourself, your desires, your strengths and weaknesses.  This will help you predict your eating pattern and how to strategize your meal plan and workout accordingly.  I know this sounds like a lot of time and energy but once you know yourself it will be no harder than breathing.

 SOOOOOO........

My NEW YEARS RESOLUTION for YOU Is: To truly learn about yourself as a consumer of foods/producer of energy and create and sustain a strategy for a healthy lifestyle that works for you.

ARE YOU ON BOARD ??? Make the commitment for life!

Take On 2015 With Alexa Lee!

Bring on 2015!!!

This year I have decided to take on a new challenge! BLOGGING! I am super excited to share my love and knowledge of fitness and a healthy lifestyle with my viewers :)  I am a former division one soccer player (Cleveland State University) and current Wilhelmina Model in NYC where I specialize in fitness modeling.  I believe that with a combination of my background working as a personal trainer, nutritional adviser, athlete and model I can deliver some insight to my viewers that can truly bring you closer to total body health.

More posts, videos, and updates to come!!