Exercise & Fitness

Low-Impact Training Series: Seated Cardio

Disclaimer: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication, or under medical care, consult a physician or healthcare professional before use. This product should be used only as directed on the label. Consult a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or are taking prescription medications. Consult a physician before using this or any supplemental dietary product. All trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with or endorsed by this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results will vary. By using this site, you agree to be bound by the Privacy Policy and all Terms and Conditions posted on this site. THIS IS AN ADVERTISING AND NOT AN ACTUAL NEWS ARTICLE, BLOG OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE. MARKETING DISCLOSURE: This website is a marketplace. So, you should know that the owner has a monetary connection with the products and services advertised on the site. The owner gets paid whenever a qualified lead is referred to them, but that’s about it. ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE: This website and the products and services mentioned on it are advertising platforms. This site is an advertisement and not a news publication. Any photographs of people used on this site are of models. The owner of this site and the products and services mentioned on this site only provides services to enable consumers to obtain and compare them.

You might think that cardio can only be done on a treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, etc., but that is simply not true.  The phrase “cardio” itself is derived from the word cardiovascular, which by definition means related to the heart and blood vessels.  In other words, cardio is movements that elevate your heart rate and get the blood flowing.  In part two of our low impact exercises, we’re using a kitchen chair to complete cardio movements.

Before you start:

Grab any type of chair that allows you to move freely without restriction.  A kitchen chair will be your best bet.  It is always recommended to do some light stretching to warm up the muscles before any physical activity.    

The Workout

This workout is designed to increase your heart rate and provide the same feeling you would get from going for a run.  These exercises are designed to be effective low-impact movements that are easy on the joints and great for individuals who have certain limitations or are just starting a physical fitness regiment. 

This exercise is exactly how it sounds and is a low-impact take on the classic jumping jack.  First, take a seat in your chair, put your knees together, and arms at your sides.  In one continuous motion, lift your legs out to the sides and raise your hands above your head in a clapping motion.  That’s one seated jack right there.

Repeat 3 times for 30 – 60 seconds each time

Sit down in your chair with your feet facing forward and arms by your side bent at the elbows (make a fist with your hands).  Tighten your abs as you bring your right knee up and raise your right arm stopping at the same time.  Lower your right knee and arm and immediately repeat that motion on the left side.  Get a good rhythm and begin picking up the pace to the point where you are running in place.  Beyond the cardio benefits, this is a great movement to build strength in your core and legs as well.

Repeat 3 times for 30 – 60 seconds each time

Seated Skaters

Take a seat toward the front of your chair to maximize mobility with your knees facing forward.  Begin by moving your right foot out to the side with your toe pointed and, once extended, twist your body so that your left hand is reaching toward the inside of your right foot.  Twist back toward the original starting position and bring your right foot back in front of you.  Reverse this motion on the left side.

Repeat 3 times for 30 – 60 seconds each time

Leg Lifts

Shift towards the front of your chair so that your abs are more engaged for this next exercise.  Make sure your knees are bent together at a 90-degree angle and keep your feet flat on the floor.  You can either cross your arms over your chest or grab hold of the chair on each side for added stability. Start by extending your right leg up off the ground like you’re kicking a soccer ball while the left foot remains planted.  Lower your right leg and repeat the same motion with the left leg. 

Repeat 3 times for 30 – 60 seconds each time

Seated Bicycle

Sit straight up in your chair with your knees facing out and about shoulder-width apart.  Bring your hands up behind your ears and grab the back of your head so that your elbows are facing out in front of you.  It is not recommended to interlock your fingers in order to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your neck.  Lift your right knee up and simultaneously twist your body so that your left elbow touches the inside of your right knee.  Lower your knee back down and twist your torso back so that you’re sitting straight up in the chair.  Repeat in the opposite direction.

Repeat 3 times for 30 – 60 seconds each time

What's your reaction?

Related Posts

1 of 2

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *