Activity |
Pros |
Cons |
Walking |
- Excellent beginner activity - Can be done almostanywhere - Minimal stress to joints - Develops and maintains aerobic fitness for most adults |
- For the highly fit, may not be intense enough to reach target heart rate range |
Jogging/Running |
- Requires no special equipment except proper shoes - Can be done almost anywhere |
- May stress joints - Safety issues when done on streets and uneven surfaces. |
Swimming |
- Excellent overall conditioner - Minimal stress to most joints |
- Need access to a pool |
Bicycling/Stationary Cycling |
- Exercises large muscles in legs - Minimal stress to most joints - Can be done indoors |
- Outdoor: safety issues - Indoor: need access to equipment |
Aerobic Dance/Step Aerobics |
- Excellent overall conditioner if properly performed - Music and group exercise make it enjoyable |
- May require instruction - High impact can stress joints |
Rowing |
- Exercises upper and lower body muscles - Minimal stress on joints if done properly - Effective for aerobic and muscle fitness |
- Need access to equipment |
Stair Climber |
- Exercises large muscles in legs - Minimal stress on joints |
- Need access to equipment |
Rope Jumping |
- Can be done almost anywhere - Inexpensive |
- Difficult to sustain unless fairly fit - Stresses joints - Skill required for effectiveness |