Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Twisting Yoga Poses For Your Upper Back Strength

If you are looking for a low-impact exercise that doesn’t leave you feeling drained after every session, try doing yoga. This gentle and flow-based exercise is one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself and help you regulate your health. Doing yoga regularly not only makes you stronger, but much more flexible, fleet as well as well-balanced. Many people also do yoga as it brings you mental clarity as well as helps them regulate their mood better. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Why Should You Do Twisting Poses</span>?</h2>

Twisting yoga poses are incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being, especially for a healthy spine and relaxed body. These poses involve rotating your torso, which helps to increase the flexibility and movement range of your spine. 

Beyond the spine, twists can also stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back, core, and shoulders, helping to release tension that often builds up from daily stress or sitting. This release can calm your nervous system, boost your mood, and even help with digestion by gently massaging your internal organs. 

<h2>Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) </h2>

Lie on your back, hug one knee to your chest, then gently drop it across your body to the side. Keep your shoulders down and gaze in the opposite direction. This relaxing twist is great for releasing stiffness and improving upper back mobility. 

Stand and bend your knees as if sitting in a chair. Bring your hands to prayer at your chest. Twist your upper body to one side, hooking your elbow outside the opposite knee. This builds strength in your back and core while twisting your upper spine. 

Stand with feet wide apart. Turn one foot out and twist your body towards that leg. Reach one hand to the floor or a block, and the other arm up. This standing twist strengthens your core, legs, and deeply rotates your upper back. 

Start on hands and knees. Slide one arm under your other arm and body, letting your shoulder and ear rest on the floor. This gentle twist opens your upper back and shoulders, releasing tension and improving movement. 

Sit tall with legs out. Bend one knee, placing that foot outside the other knee. Twist your body towards the bent knee, using your opposite arm to help. This pose gently twists your spine, making your upper back stronger and more flexible. 

Start in a lunge with one knee bent forward. Bring your hands to prayer and twist your upper body over the front leg, hooking your elbow outside the knee. This strong pose builds balance, core strength, and deeply twists your upper back. 

Sit with both knees bent to one side. Twist your torso towards the opposite side, placing your hand behind you. This pose helps improve digestion and flexibility in your middle and upper back, while gently strengthening the spine. 

This pose offers a deep stretch along the side body while incorporating a twist. It helps to open the chest and shoulders, and the effort to rotate your ribcage upwards as you fold towards your leg engages and strengthens the muscles of your upper back and obliques. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Yoga & Asanas

Yoga for Upper Back Strength

Why Should You Do Twisting Poses

Twisting Poses

Yoga for upper back

how to build Upper Back Strength

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If you are looking for a low-impact exercise that doesn’t leave you feeling drained after every session, try doing yoga. This gentle and flow-based exercise is one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself and help you regulate your health. Doing yoga regularly not only makes you stronger, but much more flexible, fleet as well as well-balanced. Many people also do yoga as it brings you mental clarity as well as helps them regulate their mood better. Why Should You Do Twisting Poses?Twisting yoga poses are incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being, especially for a healthy spine and relaxed body. These poses involve rotating your torso, which helps to increase the flexibility and movement range of your spine. Beyond the spine, twists can also stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back, core, and shoulders, helping to release tension that often builds up from daily stress or sitting. This release can calm your nervous system, boost your mood, and even help with digestion by gently massaging your internal organs. Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) Lie on your back, hug one knee to your chest, then gently drop it across your body to the side. Keep your shoulders down and gaze in the opposite direction. This relaxing twist is great for releasing stiffness and improving upper back mobility. Revolved Chair Pose Stand and bend your knees as if sitting in a chair. Bring your hands to prayer at your chest. Twist your upper body to one side, hooking your elbow outside the opposite knee. This builds strength in your back and core while twisting your upper spine. Revolved Triangle Pose Stand with feet wide apart. Turn one foot out and twist your body towards that leg. Reach one hand to the floor or a block, and the other arm up. This standing twist strengthens your core, legs, and deeply rotates your upper back. Thread the Needle Pose Start on hands and knees. Slide one arm under your other arm and body, letting your shoulder and ear rest on the floor. This gentle twist opens your upper back and shoulders, releasing tension and improving movement. Seated Spinal Twist Sit tall with legs out. Bend one knee, placing that foot outside the other knee. Twist your body towards the bent knee, using your opposite arm to help. This pose gently twists your spine, making your upper back stronger and more flexible. Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose Start in a lunge with one knee bent forward. Bring your hands to prayer and twist your upper body over the front leg, hooking your elbow outside the knee. This strong pose builds balance, core strength, and deeply twists your upper back. Bharadvaja's Twist Sit with both knees bent to one side. Twist your torso towards the opposite side, placing your hand behind you. This pose helps improve digestion and flexibility in your middle and upper back, while gently strengthening the spine. Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose This pose offers a deep stretch along the side body while incorporating a twist. It helps to open the chest and shoulders, and the effort to rotate your ribcage upwards as you fold towards your leg engages and strengthens the muscles of your upper back and obliques. 

twisting yoga poses for your upper back strength

15 Minutes Of Yoga Can Help You Lower Your High Blood Pressure

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<span>High blood pressure</span> is a common condition that many people deal with throughout the world. Can yoga help with the same?

Yoga is one of the best ways to ensure that your health stays in the best condition. Not only does is it a form of exercise that helps us make our body more flexible, but it also helps us strengthen it and ensure our bodily functions work properly.

Yoga is an ancient practice that consists of poses, breathing exercises, and meditational practices. Many people believe that it is more than just exercise, it is a way for you to connect with your mind and body, leading to a wide range of benefits for your overall health. From making your body stronger and more flexible to calming your mind and reducing stress, yoga offers a holistic path to feeling better and living healthier. 

<h2>Does Science Support <span rel="noindex">Yoga For Hypertension</span> </h2>

High blood pressure is a serious condition, and while there are many ways to manage it, what works for one person might not work for another. Researchers are always looking for the most effective treatments and extra therapies to help control blood pressure. A 2023 pilot study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, explored whether yoga could be one of those helpful additions. 

While both groups saw improvements in their resting blood pressure and heart rate, the group that did yoga had more significant improvements in these areas. The yoga group also showed better Reynolds risk scores, which are measurements used to predict the risk of heart disease and other serious heart problems. These findings suggest that regular yoga could be an effective extra therapy to help improve blood pressure levels. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Yoga poses</span> That Can Help With <span rel="noindex">Hypertension</span> </h2>

This simple pose, also known as Dandasana, involves sitting tall with your legs stretched out in front of you. It helps calm your mind and can contribute to lowering your blood pressure by promoting relaxation and good posture. 

Known as Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, this pose involves balancing on one leg while extending the other. It improves balance and focus, which can help reduce stress and bring down blood pressure by calming the nervous system. 

Chair Pose, or Utkatasana, strengthens your legs and core. While it builds heat, the controlled breathing and mindful movement can help regulate your heart rate and improve circulation, contributing to better blood pressure control. 

Also called Baddha Konasana, this seated pose involves bringing the soles of your feet together. It gently opens the hips and inner thighs, promoting relaxation and easing tension, which can be beneficial for managing high blood pressure. 

Matsyasana, or Fish Pose, gently arches your back and opens your chest. This pose is known for its calming effects on the brain and can help relieve stress and mild depression, indirectly aiding in blood pressure reduction. 

Balasana, or Child's Pose, is a gentle resting pose that calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue. Its soothing nature can significantly contribute to lowering blood pressure by promoting deep relaxation. 

Similar to Butterfly Pose, Baddha Konasana focuses on opening the hips. It's a very grounding and calming pose that can help reduce anxiety and stress, factors often linked to high blood pressure. 

Paschimottanasana is a relaxing pose where you fold forward from a seated position. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress, which can directly help in lowering high blood pressure by promoting a sense of tranquility.

Yoga for High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure

hypertension

Yoga For Hypertension

Yoga poses

High blood pressure is a common condition that many people deal with throughout the world. Can yoga help with the same?Yoga is one of the best ways to ensure that your health stays in the best condition. Not only does is it a form of exercise that helps us make our body more flexible, but it also helps us strengthen it and ensure our bodily functions work properly.Yoga is an ancient practice that consists of poses, breathing exercises, and meditational practices. Many people believe that it is more than just exercise, it is a way for you to connect with your mind and body, leading to a wide range of benefits for your overall health. From making your body stronger and more flexible to calming your mind and reducing stress, yoga offers a holistic path to feeling better and living healthier. Does Science Support Yoga For Hypertension High blood pressure is a serious condition, and while there are many ways to manage it, what works for one person might not work for another. Researchers are always looking for the most effective treatments and extra therapies to help control blood pressure. A 2023 pilot study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, explored whether yoga could be one of those helpful additions. While both groups saw improvements in their resting blood pressure and heart rate, the group that did yoga had more significant improvements in these areas. The yoga group also showed better Reynolds risk scores, which are measurements used to predict the risk of heart disease and other serious heart problems. These findings suggest that regular yoga could be an effective extra therapy to help improve blood pressure levels. Yoga poses That Can Help With Hypertension Stick Pose This simple pose, also known as Dandasana, involves sitting tall with your legs stretched out in front of you. It helps calm your mind and can contribute to lowering your blood pressure by promoting relaxation and good posture. Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose Known as Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, this pose involves balancing on one leg while extending the other. It improves balance and focus, which can help reduce stress and bring down blood pressure by calming the nervous system. Chair Pose Chair Pose, or Utkatasana, strengthens your legs and core. While it builds heat, the controlled breathing and mindful movement can help regulate your heart rate and improve circulation, contributing to better blood pressure control. Butterfly Pose Also called Baddha Konasana, this seated pose involves bringing the soles of your feet together. It gently opens the hips and inner thighs, promoting relaxation and easing tension, which can be beneficial for managing high blood pressure. Fish Pose Matsyasana, or Fish Pose, gently arches your back and opens your chest. This pose is known for its calming effects on the brain and can help relieve stress and mild depression, indirectly aiding in blood pressure reduction. Child’s Pose Balasana, or Child's Pose, is a gentle resting pose that calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue. Its soothing nature can significantly contribute to lowering blood pressure by promoting deep relaxation. Bound Angle Pose Similar to Butterfly Pose, Baddha Konasana focuses on opening the hips. It's a very grounding and calming pose that can help reduce anxiety and stress, factors often linked to high blood pressure. Seated Forward Bend Paschimottanasana is a relaxing pose where you fold forward from a seated position. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress, which can directly help in lowering high blood pressure by promoting a sense of tranquility.

15 minutes of yoga can help you lower your high blood pressure

Ishita Roy

Global Running Day 2025: How Everyday Running Helps You Stay Healthy

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Every year on June's first Wednesday, <span>Global Running Day</span> is observed to encourage people to run and to embrace its benefits. This year, it is being observed on June 4. 

While <span>running</span> every day may sound intense, but studies show that even short, consistent runs can offer major health benefits. According to research, running just 5 to 10 minutes a day at a moderate pace (about 6 miles per hour) can significantly reduce your risk of death from heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Interestingly, researchers found that benefits tend to max out at around 4.5 hours of running per week, so there’s no need to overdo it. Overtraining can lead to injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.

The benefits of daily running aren’t limited to just heart health. Some other science-backed perks include:

<ul><li>Lower risk of developing certain cancers</li><li>Reduced chance of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease</li><li>Better mood, sleep, and focus</li></ul>

A study on adolescents who ran 30 minutes each morning for three weeks showed improvements in sleep quality, mood, and concentration compared to non-runners. These same benefits can be seen in other daily activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or even yoga.

<h4>But Is It Safe to Run Every Day?</h4>

While the benefits are clear, running daily can increase the risk of overuse injuries if you're not careful. These injuries often occur when someone starts too fast or doesn't give the body enough time to recover.

<ul><li>Use proper running shoes and replace them regularly.</li><li>Increase your mileage gradually.</li><li>Always warm up and cool down properly.</li><li>Run with good form and posture.</li></ul>

If you start to feel pain or fatigue, take a break. Use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and consult a doctor if needed.

Running alone isn’t enough for overall <span>fitness</span>. Cross training—such as cycling, swimming, yoga, or strength workouts—can help balance your routine. Benefits include:

<ul><li>Reducing injury risk</li><li>Activating different muscle groups</li><li>Improving core strength and flexibility</li><li>Keeping workouts fun and varied</li></ul>

Experts recommend adding cross training one to two times a week and incorporating strength training for best results.

Beginners should aim to run every other day for 20–30 minutes, gradually increasing frequency. A “couch-to-5K” program can provide helpful structure.

<ul><li>Good running shoes (ideally two pairs to rotate)</li><li>Sweat-resistant clothes</li><li>Reflective gear if running early or late</li></ul>

Plan your runs according to your schedule—mornings, lunch breaks, or weekends. Join local running groups for motivation.

For experienced runners, weekly plans can include a mix of:

<ul><li>Long runs</li><li>Speed training</li><li>Hill workouts</li><li>Recovery jogs or pool running</li></ul>

global running day 2025

fitness

running

global running day

running benefits

every day running

Every year on June's first Wednesday, Global Running Day is observed to encourage people to run and to embrace its benefits. This year, it is being observed on June 4. While running every day may sound intense, but studies show that even short, consistent runs can offer major health benefits. According to research, running just 5 to 10 minutes a day at a moderate pace (about 6 miles per hour) can significantly reduce your risk of death from heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.Interestingly, researchers found that benefits tend to max out at around 4.5 hours of running per week, so there’s no need to overdo it. Overtraining can lead to injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.What You Gain From RunningThe benefits of daily running aren’t limited to just heart health. Some other science-backed perks include:Lower risk of developing certain cancersReduced chance of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseaseBetter mood, sleep, and focusA study on adolescents who ran 30 minutes each morning for three weeks showed improvements in sleep quality, mood, and concentration compared to non-runners. These same benefits can be seen in other daily activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or even yoga.But Is It Safe to Run Every Day?While the benefits are clear, running daily can increase the risk of overuse injuries if you're not careful. These injuries often occur when someone starts too fast or doesn't give the body enough time to recover.To reduce the risk:Use proper running shoes and replace them regularly.Increase your mileage gradually.Always warm up and cool down properly.Run with good form and posture.If you start to feel pain or fatigue, take a break. Use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and consult a doctor if needed.The Importance of Mixing It UpRunning alone isn’t enough for overall fitness. Cross training—such as cycling, swimming, yoga, or strength workouts—can help balance your routine. Benefits include:Reducing injury riskActivating different muscle groupsImproving core strength and flexibilityKeeping workouts fun and variedExperts recommend adding cross training one to two times a week and incorporating strength training for best results.How to Start and Stick With ItBeginners should aim to run every other day for 20–30 minutes, gradually increasing frequency. A “couch-to-5K” program can provide helpful structure.Essentials to start running include:Good running shoes (ideally two pairs to rotate)Sweat-resistant clothesReflective gear if running early or latePlan your runs according to your schedule—mornings, lunch breaks, or weekends. Join local running groups for motivation.For experienced runners, weekly plans can include a mix of:Long runsSpeed trainingHill workoutsRecovery jogs or pool running

global running day 2025: how everyday running helps you stay healthy

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It's easy to hyper-focus on strength training or cardio alone, endlessly lifting weights, running miles, or grinding on the Peloton. But experts are now pressing pause on that one-dimensional approach in favor of a smarter, more sustainable strategy: <span>low-impact cross-training</span>.

Whether you're a serious cyclist, a weekend warrior, or someone looking to avoid burnout, these low-impact moves offer a refreshing reset that supports muscle growth, cardiovascular health, and mobility, all while being gentle on your joints.

Cross-training isn’t new, it’s been around long enough to have an entire category of athletic shoes named after it but its importance is experiencing a strong resurgence. According to leading fitness trainers, today’s workouts need to be more holistic. That means you don’t just build muscle—you build endurance, joint flexibility, coordination, and overall resilience.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/23-going-on-53-doctor-claims-she-reversed-her-biological-age-by-30-year-article-151781159" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">‘23 Going On 53’: Doctor Claims She Reversed Her Biological Age By 30 Year</a>

And here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be intense or intimidating. Cross-training is most effective when done 1–2 times a week, and even small, consistent additions can lead to big gains. Swapping out the final 10 to 15 minutes of your workout with functional movements outside your usual program can improve recovery, prevent injury, and train your body to move in multiple planes.

<h2>What Is Low-Impact Cross-Training?</h2>

Low-impact training is a game-changer—especially for those battling chronic joint pain, recovering from injury, or simply aging gracefully. According to certified trainer Brodie, as we age, our joints naturally lose range of motion and muscle mass begins to decline after 30. Cross-training with low-impact exercises ensures that your fitness evolves with your body.

These movements keep at least one foot on the ground at all times (yes, that means no jumping), making them safer for your knees, hips, and back. But make no mistake—they still challenge your muscles in new, meaningful ways.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/bryan-johnsons-90-day-experiment-claims-that-oxygen-therapy-could-beat-aging-article-151779593" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Bryan Johnson's 90-Day Experiment Claims That Oxygen Therapy Could Beat Aging</a>

<strong><h2>What You Need for Low-Impact Cross-Training?</h2></strong><h3>To get started, grab:</h3>

<ol><li>A medium to heavy kettlebell</li><li>A mat</li><li>Open floor space</li></ol>

Aim for 10–12 reps of each movement, resting 30–60 seconds between each. Do 2–3 sets, twice per week to start seeing results.

The kettlebell swing is a full-body, explosive movement that works your posterior chain—from glutes to lower back—and teaches you how to generate force safely. “It’s not just about swinging a weight; it’s about understanding muscle activation and relaxation,” says Brodie.

This move is especially beneficial for cyclists and desk-jobbers alike, helping correct poor posture and preventing lower back pain by reinforcing hip mobility and glute engagement.

<strong>Form tip: </strong>Keep your core tight, back neutral, and drive from the hips—not the arms.

Squats are foundational, but the goblet squat makes them smarter. Holding the kettlebell in front of your chest helps engage your upper body while deepening your squat form and improving balance.

What makes this exercise low-impact is that it builds muscle in your glutes, quads, abs, arms, and grip—without joint stress or high-impact plyometrics. The upright posture also translates well to better bike handling and hill endurance.

<strong>Form tip:</strong> Keep your feet grounded and chest lifted as you squat.

Around the World is often overlooked—but it's a quiet powerhouse. By rotating a kettlebell around your body in a controlled motion, you’re not just improving shoulder stability, but also enhancing core strength and coordination.

This is particularly useful for cyclists, who often deal with upper-back tightness from riding in a hunched position.

<strong>Bonus use:</strong> Works great as a warm-up to upper-body workouts.

Modern lifestyles mean long hours sitting at desks—or in saddles. Enter the weighted glute bridge: a deceptively simple move that strengthens your glutes, opens tight hip flexors, and engages your core.

This exercise directly improves your ability to push and pull pedals while protecting your lower back from strain.

<strong>Form tip:</strong> Avoid arching the back; instead, focus on squeezing your glutes and keeping your core stable at the top.

If you’ve never done a suitcase carry, you’re missing one of the most functional, real-life applicable exercises. Holding a weight in one hand while walking forces your core to stabilize—mimicking the movements needed in cycling, lifting, and even daily tasks.

It’s a brilliant way to train anti-rotational strength, reduce the risk of injury, and improve posture.

<strong>Challenge yourself: </strong>Use two kettlebells for a farmer’s walk variation that works both sides simultaneously.

<h2>6. Hiking, Snowshoeing, or Cross-Country Skiing</h2>

Not all cross-training needs to happen in the gym. Outdoor activities like hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing offer a total-body burn with the added mental health benefit of being in nature.

These are especially effective for building endurance, balance, and cardiovascular strength, all while maintaining low impact on joints.

Whether you're scaling trails or gliding through snowy landscapes, you're engaging muscles that often get overlooked—making this a worthy addition to your training year-round.

If you’ve been training the same way for years, it may be time to refresh your routine with cross-training. And the best part? Low-impact doesn’t mean low return. By mixing in these six movements a few times a week, you’ll build a more adaptable, injury-resistant body—without derailing your current program. The next time you feel tempted to skip mobility work or cardio, try one of these low-impact cross-training exercises instead. Your future self will thank you.

fitness & exercise

low-impact cross-training

best exercises for cyclists

kettlebell workout

strength training without jumping

joint-friendly fitness

total-body workouts

injury prevention exercises

It's easy to hyper-focus on strength training or cardio alone, endlessly lifting weights, running miles, or grinding on the Peloton. But experts are now pressing pause on that one-dimensional approach in favor of a smarter, more sustainable strategy: low-impact cross-training.Whether you're a serious cyclist, a weekend warrior, or someone looking to avoid burnout, these low-impact moves offer a refreshing reset that supports muscle growth, cardiovascular health, and mobility, all while being gentle on your joints.Cross-training isn’t new, it’s been around long enough to have an entire category of athletic shoes named after it but its importance is experiencing a strong resurgence. According to leading fitness trainers, today’s workouts need to be more holistic. That means you don’t just build muscle—you build endurance, joint flexibility, coordination, and overall resilience.Also Read: ‘23 Going On 53’: Doctor Claims She Reversed Her Biological Age By 30 YearAnd here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be intense or intimidating. Cross-training is most effective when done 1–2 times a week, and even small, consistent additions can lead to big gains. Swapping out the final 10 to 15 minutes of your workout with functional movements outside your usual program can improve recovery, prevent injury, and train your body to move in multiple planes.What Is Low-Impact Cross-Training?Low-impact training is a game-changer—especially for those battling chronic joint pain, recovering from injury, or simply aging gracefully. According to certified trainer Brodie, as we age, our joints naturally lose range of motion and muscle mass begins to decline after 30. Cross-training with low-impact exercises ensures that your fitness evolves with your body.These movements keep at least one foot on the ground at all times (yes, that means no jumping), making them safer for your knees, hips, and back. But make no mistake—they still challenge your muscles in new, meaningful ways.Also Read: Bryan Johnson's 90-Day Experiment Claims That Oxygen Therapy Could Beat AgingWhat You Need for Low-Impact Cross-Training?To get started, grab:A medium to heavy kettlebellA matOpen floor spaceAim for 10–12 reps of each movement, resting 30–60 seconds between each. Do 2–3 sets, twice per week to start seeing results.1. Kettlebell SwingThe kettlebell swing is a full-body, explosive movement that works your posterior chain—from glutes to lower back—and teaches you how to generate force safely. “It’s not just about swinging a weight; it’s about understanding muscle activation and relaxation,” says Brodie.This move is especially beneficial for cyclists and desk-jobbers alike, helping correct poor posture and preventing lower back pain by reinforcing hip mobility and glute engagement.Form tip: Keep your core tight, back neutral, and drive from the hips—not the arms.2. Goblet SquatSquats are foundational, but the goblet squat makes them smarter. Holding the kettlebell in front of your chest helps engage your upper body while deepening your squat form and improving balance.What makes this exercise low-impact is that it builds muscle in your glutes, quads, abs, arms, and grip—without joint stress or high-impact plyometrics. The upright posture also translates well to better bike handling and hill endurance.Form tip: Keep your feet grounded and chest lifted as you squat.3. Around the WorldAround the World is often overlooked—but it's a quiet powerhouse. By rotating a kettlebell around your body in a controlled motion, you’re not just improving shoulder stability, but also enhancing core strength and coordination.This is particularly useful for cyclists, who often deal with upper-back tightness from riding in a hunched position.Bonus use: Works great as a warm-up to upper-body workouts.4. Weighted Glute BridgeModern lifestyles mean long hours sitting at desks—or in saddles. Enter the weighted glute bridge: a deceptively simple move that strengthens your glutes, opens tight hip flexors, and engages your core.This exercise directly improves your ability to push and pull pedals while protecting your lower back from strain.Form tip: Avoid arching the back; instead, focus on squeezing your glutes and keeping your core stable at the top.5. Suitcase CarryIf you’ve never done a suitcase carry, you’re missing one of the most functional, real-life applicable exercises. Holding a weight in one hand while walking forces your core to stabilize—mimicking the movements needed in cycling, lifting, and even daily tasks.It’s a brilliant way to train anti-rotational strength, reduce the risk of injury, and improve posture.Challenge yourself: Use two kettlebells for a farmer’s walk variation that works both sides simultaneously.6. Hiking, Snowshoeing, or Cross-Country SkiingNot all cross-training needs to happen in the gym. Outdoor activities like hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing offer a total-body burn with the added mental health benefit of being in nature.These are especially effective for building endurance, balance, and cardiovascular strength, all while maintaining low impact on joints.Whether you're scaling trails or gliding through snowy landscapes, you're engaging muscles that often get overlooked—making this a worthy addition to your training year-round.If you’ve been training the same way for years, it may be time to refresh your routine with cross-training. And the best part? Low-impact doesn’t mean low return. By mixing in these six movements a few times a week, you’ll build a more adaptable, injury-resistant body—without derailing your current program. The next time you feel tempted to skip mobility work or cardio, try one of these low-impact cross-training exercises instead. Your future self will thank you.

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Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.