As we age, staying active becomes more important than ever — not just for our mobility, but also for our heart, bones, and overall well-being. But not all workouts are created equal, especially after the age of 60. According to a leading cardiologist, certain popular exercises may actually do more harm than good to aging hearts and joints.

Here are five exercises that older adults may want to reconsider — and safer, effective alternatives to keep moving with confidence.

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT workouts — those fast-paced routines with short bursts of maximum effort — can send your heart rate soaring in seconds. For older adults, especially those with underlying heart conditions, these sharp spikes can overstress the cardiovascular system, raising the risk of arrhythmias or even cardiac events.

Try instead: moderate-paced cardio like brisk walking or water aerobics, which keeps your heart strong without shocking it.

2. Sprinting

While running has benefits, sudden bursts of speed — especially sprints — can cause blood pressure to spike dramatically. That kind of rapid change isn’t ideal for aging arteries or a heart that may already be working harder with age.

Try instead: steady-paced walks or low-resistance cycling, which build endurance without pushing your heart to extremes.

3. Repetitive Jumping or Plyometrics

Exercises like jumping jacks, jump rope, or box jumps may improve explosiveness, but they also involve repetitive impact. That stress not only affects joints like knees and ankles but also forces your heart to work harder, especially if you’re not conditioned for high-impact movement.