Low Impact Cardio Exercises

By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

Updated July 20, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

If you're looking for a low impact, whole body move that gets your heart rate up, the front kick with planks is a great choice. You work on balance and core strength while raising your heart rate without straining the joints. This exercise requires quite a bit of balance, so take your time and hold onto a chair or wall for balance if needed.

1. Begin with feet together and the arms up in a defensive position.
2. Bring the right knee up and kick the leg out, avoiding hyperextension of the knee.
3. Balancing on the left leg, bring the right leg back behind you, hands to the floor in a runner's stretch.
4. Bring the left foot next to the right into a plank, holding briefly.
5. Step the left foot forward into a runner's lunge, stand up and again kick with the right leg, continuing with your front kick planks on the same leg.
6. Repeat the series on the other side, repeating for 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps.

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