3 min readEnhancewell
No pain, no gain is so “late 1900s.” You don’t need to, nor should you, max out your workouts every time. People are swapping traditional sweat sessions for something smarter and gentler. And the good news? They’re seeing the outcomes they’ve always dreamed of.
So, how can you work out smarter and still get results?
Why Smart Workouts are Better than Hard Workouts
Exercise is designed to get your heart pumping. But have you ever considered how hard your heart is working? Zone 1 constitutes very light exercise and requires 50-60% of your maximum heart rate (MHR). At Zone 5, your heart is working at 100%, leaving you breathless and gasping for air.
We’ve been trained to think that Zones 4-5 are where the gains lie. And sure, you’ll feel the burn at a higher MHR, but it’s not fat you’re burning. When your body needs energy fast, it burns carbohydrates— not fat. At lower MHR levels, your body oxidizes stored cellular fat as energy.
Plus, high-impact exercises are just that: high impact. They’re hard on your joints and can lead to injuries later in life.
Workouts for Joint Health and Longevity
Low Impact Steady State (LISS) Cardio
Cardio is more than just running, jumping jacks, and burpees. Sure, those are the sexy moves that get the most publicity, but don’t count LISS cardio out. This form of cardio involves performing consistent cardio for 30-60 minutes in Zone 2. Performing at 50–70% of your maximum heart rate means you’ll be able to hold a conversation comfortably, but not sing a song. (Although we’d love to see someone try!)
LISS activities include brisk walking on an incline, casual cycling, relaxed swimming, or easy reps on the rowing machine or elliptical.
Mobility Circuits
At 19, anything’s possible. But as we age, a bad night’s sleep or a simple sneeze can throw us out of alignment. Mobility circuits utilize a series of dynamic stretches, joint rotations, and functional movements to improve flexibility, increase joint mobility, and lower the risk of injury over time. Mobility exercises can include cat-cow stretches, windshield wiper hip swivels, threading the needle, and more.
These exercises are good for all ages, building coordination in children, reversing damage from sitting at a desk for adults, and reducing fall risks in the elderly.
Reformer Pilates
Running and jumping are jarring on the body. Reformer Pilates is a flowing workout, with varying spring strength to provide help or resistance during your workout. Reformer Pilates gives you the burn you’ve come to expect during your workouts (hello, Pilates pushups and the Hundred!), while still being kind to your joints. People of all ages and skill levels can attend the same class, and with exercise variations and different springs, have an experience that feels completely tailored to their needs.
At Enhancewell Collective, we’re here to help you reach your aesthetic goals without compromising your long-term joint health. Sign up for a private session or a group class and discover a smarter way to work out.