A Low Impact, No-Jumping Cardio Workout That’ll Get You Breathless

Challenge your heart without pummeling your joints.
breakdancer cardio move
Katie Thompson

Do this workout once or twice a week alongside other forms of cardio or in between more traditional strength training sessions, Delgado-Lugo says. However you slot it in, take five minutes beforehand to warm up to reduce your chances of injury and boost the effectiveness of your session. Focus on moving your joints through their full range of motion, says Delgado-Lugo, who suggests doing leg swings, hip circles, butt kicks, arm swings, arm circles, inchworms, and bodyweight squats. Afterward, take another five minutes to cool down. Gently stretch your muscles with a quad stretch, toe touches, and child’s pose, Delgado-Lugo says.

Ready for sweaty cardio that won’t stress your joints? Right this way for the seven-move no-jumping routine that’ll leave you breathless—and your ankles, knees, and hips feeling good.

The Workout

What you need: One pair of medium to heavy dumbbells. (You can also use kettlebells if that’s what you have on hand.) Pick a weight that feels somewhat challenging but doable to hold overhead for about 30 seconds.

Exercises

  • Low-Impact Burpee
  • Front Squat
  • Kickstand Deadlift
  • Single-Arm Overhead Carry
  • Bent-Over Row
  • Lateral Plank Walk
  • Breakdancer

Directions

  • Complete the following exercises in the order listed below. Perform each for 40 seconds (for single-sided moves, you’ll do 20 seconds per side), then rest 20 seconds before starting the next exercise.
  • Once you’ve done all seven exercises, rest for at least 30 seconds. Take more time if needed to catch your breath. Repeat the circuit two more times for a total of three rounds.