low-impact

adjective

low-im·​pact ˈlō-ˈim-ˌpakt 

sports

: relating to or involving a physical activity (such as walking, swimming, or bicycling) in which the body makes gentle contact or no contact with the ground

low-impact exercise

low-impact workouts

Testers were impressed by its compression but it's a low-impact bra, so save it for yoga, Pilates and hiking—any workouts where you don't need much support.

—Hannah Mendelsohn and Isabella Silvers

compare high-impact

Examples of low-impact in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Moderate-intensity—your effort feels like a 4 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 10—cardio can include low-impact aerobic workouts like brisk walking, light cycling, elliptical use, swimming, water aerobics, hiking, rowing, and stair climbing. —Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026

More low-impact flurries are possible Friday morning. —Joseph Dames, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

Because they are considered low-impact, Type II actions are exempt from the full SEQRA environmental review process, which saves time and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. —Carlina Rivera, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026

Landscape hotels use sustainable practices and low-impact architecture, and are meant to be located in remote areas. —David Duran, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for low-impact

• artefact
• artifact
• counteract
• inexact
• interact
• noncontact
• reenact
• subcontract
• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact