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

Warming up with a few minutes of walking, cycling, or another low-impact activity can also help prepare your muscles and joints for exercise. — Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 18 Aug. 2026

The generally low-impact activity engages multiple muscle groups while providing both cardiovascular and strength-building benefits. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Basketball and soccer players and Olympic athletes of all genders have cited low-impact workouts like Pilates, barre, and yoga as key tenets of their fitness routines. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026

Another exercise system, Vasper, provides a 21-minute low-impact exercise blending compression, liquid cooling and interval training performed on recumbent bikes. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above