We all know that keeping active is good for us. But our choice of physical activity matters a great deal since we need to balance the potential benefits with the potential risks. This applies especially as we get older. Shot-putting and powerlifting might be enormously beneficial to some, but if you do them incorrectly you might end up injured. Even seemingly benign activities like jogging can end up even more risky in the long run, since you’re exposing your joints to the same limited motion over and over again.

Just thirty minutes of low intensity exercise every day (with a few caveats) can help to lower blood pressure and bring down your risk of everything from heart disease to cancer to stroke.

Let’s run through some of the more popular low-intensity activities.

Golf

Golf is a great choice for many for a whole range of reasons. It takes place outdoors, which is beneficial in and of itself. Naturally, the sport requires the player to walk a fair distance every time you play a round plus, the swing itself incorporates just about every muscle group in the body.

Golf is highly strategic and requires the consideration of a whole range of factors like wind-direction and speed, the incline of the fairway, and the hazards that golf-course designers like to distribute. As such, it’s great exercise for the brain, too. Since golf is fun, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started with the sport. There are golf drivers for sale online at affordable prices; you can build your collection from there once you’ve gotten a feel for the sport.

Swimming

Swimming is low intensity because the weight of your body is supported by the surrounding water, which means no sudden impacts. As such, it’s great for those of us who suffer from arthritis – or who think that they might in the future. If you’ve ever been through a period of rehabilitation following a serious injury, then the chances are good that you did it in a swimming pool.

Pilates

Pilates is an extremely popular form of low-intensity exercise. It tends to take place in a classroom environment, which means that it’s got a social dimension, too. A Pilates session will take you through a whole range of exercises, so you’ll be able to identify and address any imbalances in your musculature before they have a chance to become debilitating.

As we get older, it’s especially important to keep active. If you fall out of the habit, then you might find it difficult to step back into it – which is why it’s important to pick out a low-intensity form of exercise that you actually enjoy!