For years, fitness seemed to come with an unspoken rule: if you’re not sweating buckets, feeling sore for days or dragging yourself through workouts you dread, you’re not doing it properly.
Thankfully, more women are starting to realise that’s simply not true.
The reality is that most people don’t struggle to get healthy because they’re lazy. They struggle because the fitness plans they’re told to follow don’t fit into real life.
Between work, family commitments, mental load and everything else on the never-ending to-do list, finding time and energy for exercise can feel impossible. And when a workout feels like punishment, it’s no surprise so many people give up after a few weeks.
That’s why low-impact exercise is having a major moment.
Instead of forcing themselves through intense routines they hate, more women are choosing activities that feel enjoyable, sustainable and realistic for everyday life. The goal isn’t to exercise harder — it’s to find movement you can actually stick with.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve your fitness, reduce stress or simply move more without feeling exhausted, these three low-impact exercise trends are helping women stay active without the burnout.
3 Low-Impact Exercise Trends Women Are Actually Sticking To
- 1. Pilates: Gentle Strength That Builds Confidence
- 2. Pickleball: The Social Sport Everyone Is Talking About
- 3. Walking: The Fitness Trend That Costs Almost Nothing
- The Best Activewear For Pickleball, Pilates and Walking
- For Busy Mums Who Sit Most of the Day
- The Best Exercise Is the One You’ll Actually Do
1. Pilates: Gentle Strength That Builds Confidence
Pilates has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why.
Unlike high-impact workouts that can leave you feeling battered and exhausted, Pilates focuses on controlled movement, flexibility, posture and core strength. It’s particularly popular with women who want to feel stronger without putting excessive pressure on their joints.
One of the biggest advantages of Pilates is that it can be done almost anywhere. Whether you’re joining a studio class, following an online program or exercising from home, you don’t need a room full of expensive equipment to get started.
For many women, that’s part of the appeal. Pilates feels approachable. You can start at your own pace, build strength gradually and fit workouts around your schedule rather than rearranging your life around the gym.
Want to Try Pilates at Home?
If you’re new to Pilates, having the right guidance can make all the difference. KIC’s Pilates program offers guided workouts for a range of fitness levels, making it easier to build confidence and consistency from home.
KIC Pilates Workouts
KIC Pilates Starter Kit
For beginners who want everything in one place, the KIC Pilates Starter Kit includes essential equipment designed to help you get started without the guesswork.
Floor Protect Exercise Equipment Mat for Home
If you’re creating a Pilates space at home, a quality exercise mat can help protect your floors while reducing noise from equipment and movement.
Wooden Balance Board Trainer with Cork Roller and Stoppers
For women looking to improve stability and core control, balance training can be a great addition to a Pilates routine.
If you’re running errands before or after a pilates class, a compact bag like the PUMA Sense 1.5L Crossbody Bag makes it easy to carry your phone, keys and essentials without lugging around a large gym bag.
2. Pickleball: The Social Sport Everyone Is Talking About
If you’ve somehow managed to avoid hearing about pickleball so far, don’t worry — you’re about to hear a lot more about it.
Often described as a mix between tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia.
Part of its appeal is how beginner-friendly it is. You don’t need years of experience, elite fitness levels or expensive memberships to enjoy it. Most people can learn the basics quickly and start having fun from their very first game.
For many women, the biggest draw isn’t even the exercise — it’s the social side. Pickleball is a fantastic way to meet people, spend time outdoors and move your body without feeling like you’re exercising.
Beginner-Friendly Pickleball Essentials
If you’re just getting started, a paddle set is one of the easiest ways to jump in.
USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle Set
Lightweight Pickleball Paddles Set with 4 Balls & Bag
You’ll also want a few spare balls on hand.
Sports Outdoor Pickleballs X40
Supportive Court Shoe Options
Comfortable court shoes can make a huge difference, especially if you’re playing regularly.
ASICS Women’s Netball Gear Collection
The Athlete’s Foot Netball Collection
For carrying your gear, these practical options are worth a look:
Tennis Backpack / Pickleball Bag with Shoe Compartment
And if bending down repeatedly to collect balls is becoming less appealing than it used to be, the Pickleball Retriever Silicone Picker Upper is one of those small accessories that can make playing a little easier.
3. Walking: The Fitness Trend That Costs Almost Nothing
Walking might not be the newest fitness trend, but it remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your health.
No complicated routines.
No intimidating equipment.
No expensive memberships.
Just comfortable shoes and a little consistency.
Walking is particularly appealing because it fits into real life. You can walk before work, after dinner, during school drop-off or while catching up with a friend.
Walking Gadgets That Help You Stay Consistent
Many women find that tracking their progress helps them stay motivated.
Samsung Galaxy Fit3
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
The Best Activewear For Pickleball, Pilates and Walking
Supportive activewear can also make daily movement more comfortable and comfort makes a difference when you’re trying to stay consistent.
Many women find that supportive activewear helps them focus on the workout rather than constantly adjusting straps or dealing with uncomfortable fabrics.
Triumph Sportswear & Activewear
Club Nala Sports Bra
Triaction Racerback Sports Bra
Nala Everyday Bra
Triumph Triaction Extreme Lite Sports Bra
For Busy Mums Who Sit Most of the Day
If you’re working from home or spend long hours sitting, gentle movement can still be possible throughout the day.
Under Desk Elliptical Pedal Exerciser
Under Desk Elliptical Pedal Exerciser with Forward
The Best Exercise Is the One You’ll Actually Do
The truth is, there isn’t a single perfect workout for everyone.
Some women love the strength and flexibility that Pilates provides. Others enjoy the social side of pickleball. And plenty of people still swear by a simple daily walk.
What these activities have in common isn’t intensity — it’s sustainability.
If you’ve ever started an exercise program full of enthusiasm only to quit a few weeks later, you’re definitely not alone. One reason low-impact activities like Pilates, walking and pickleball are becoming so popular is that they’re easier to enjoy and easier to maintain long term.
Research consistently shows that people are more likely to stick with exercise when they enjoy it. And when you’re consistent, you’re far more likely to see benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing than if you’re constantly starting and stopping workouts you dread.
There’s also growing awareness around the connection between stress, cortisol and overall health.
While movement can help support healthy stress levels, constantly forcing yourself through exercise you hate can make it harder to stay motivated and recover properly. Many women find that gentler forms of movement feel more sustainable because they support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Women may also notice that their energy, motivation and recovery fluctuate throughout the month. Hormonal changes can influence how exercise feels, which is why many experts now recommend a more personalised approach that focuses on listening to your body rather than pushing through discomfort simply to follow a rigid fitness plan.
In other words, if a brisk walk feels better than a bootcamp workout this week, that’s okay. If Pilates feels more manageable than high-intensity training during a stressful season of life, that’s okay too.
The best exercise plan isn’t necessarily the hardest one.
It’s the one you’ll still be doing six months from now.
Have your say!