We all know that exercise is an integral part of living a healthy life. Whether you’re an exercise fiend who’s up on the latest methods or someone who merely tolerates exercise as a necessary evil for healthy living, physical fitness regimes are a must. That being said, not all exercises are created equally. Not only do different exercises work out different parts of your body, but some types of activity are safer than others.

Take running, for example. Running is by no means a “dangerous” activity, and there’s nothing wrong with going for a run if you’re looking to get the adrenaline racing and the blood pumping for a bit. That said, running also has a higher propensity to result in injury than other exercise options such as those listed below.

Power Walking

For those looking for a lower impact alternative to running, power walking can be a great option. The significant danger with running is that, unless you stretch and warm up properly, you can accidentally pull, tear, or sprain something. By contrast, it’s a lot easier to fit a power walk into your everyday routine without having to go through a warm-up first.

Swimming in the Pool

If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer, while getting a bit of exercise in, it’s hard to top taking a dip in the pool. Swimming can be a great way to get some exercise in, allowing you to work out several different types of muscles at once. It provides you with a great chance to get some aerobic exercise in while allowing you to feel the burn in your arms and legs. What’s more, unless you are engaging in some heavy-duty pool activity like competitive racing, swimming tends to be much easier on your joints than other exercise options.

Yoga Routines

Looking to limber up? Traditional Indian yoga classes and modern reinterpretations of the ancient practice can be a great way to stretch your muscles and practice some calming meditation.

These exercise options can help you work out without fear of injury.