Cardio is a necessary evil for me. For the longest time I've had the most negative connotation in my head surrounding cardio. I was really close minded and thought running was the only/best/most effective form of it and let me be clear, I am not a runner. Even during my high school days when I would run 2-3 miles a day, I never really enjoyed it and it never felt any easier for me. Then I discovered low impact cardio. I used to think low impact = low intensity but that's not true at all. Low impact literally just means less impact on your joints and muscles so you aren't putting as much strain on your body.

If you're looking to incorporate low impact cardio into your workout routine, there are almost endless options of classes and facilities in the Treasure Valley. Here's a short list of great low impact cardio exercises that are both fun and effective.

1. Water Aerobics

Exercising in water can provide a great full-body workout. You can get a great cardio workout while also improving your strength, endurance, flexibility. While the resistance of water will make you move and work your body harder than on land, the buoyancy of water also provides extra support for your muscles and joints.

  • Water aerobics in the Treasure Valley
    • Treasure Valley YMCA (Downtown Boise, West Boise, and Caldwell)
    • Nampa Rec Center - Aqua Zumba

2. Barre Classes

Don't underestimate this ballet-based dance workout. You'll be particularly working your lower-body muscles in movements inspired by dance, Pilates, and yoga. Barre will also challenge your cardiovascular endurance and improve balance.

  • Barre classes in the Treasure Valley
    • Pure Barre in Eagle
    • barre3 in Eagle
    • Barre Bliss
    • 28th Street Barre and Soul

3. Cycling

You work the same muscles cycling as you do when you go for a run. Your quads, hamstrings, and glutes always get a great workout from cycling and you're guaranteed to work up a sweat. Cycling classes are very community and group based too if you're into that.

  • Cycling classes in the Treasure Valley
    • CYCLEBAR
    • UpCycle
    • Ride Cycle Studio

4. Rock Climbing

Even though there's no jumping, running, or jolting involved in rock climbing, it still requires a great deal of strength and endurance. Rock climbing also helps you build strength everywhere in your body and improves flexibility.

  • Rock climbing in the Treasure Valley:
    • Vertical View
    • Asana Climbing Gym
    • The Commons Climbing Gym

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