Help - Ive been banned from Jogging and impact exercise

Breizier

Can you suggest some cardio I can do as I have been banned from impact exercise by my consultant?

I started doing the park run (a 5k weekly run) in March. I was doing it at my own run/walk pace which was far slower that C2 5K but I was slowly improving running and recovery time by going out twice a week. I had a long brisk walk once a week and a 30 minute brisk walk 4 times a week. I then added 30-day shred. About 13 days into the shred I ceased up. This wasn't muscular pain but go get x-rays and blood tests pain because you probably have something serious pain.

Long story short, the consultant ruled out a debilitating chronic illness but said that the impact exercise probably caused all my symptoms.

Part of my pleasure in doing the parkrun was the discipline, the focus, the challenge, support & camaraderie and changing habits. I need to get all of this back. I can't think of any non impact cardio that will give me those things. Just going to a gym and working out on a treadmill etc just doesn't give me that focus. I don't swim - I'm of the generation of black women who don't get their hair wet plus chlorine triggers allergies; I didn't learn to cycle as a kid so can barely stay on an exercise bike never mind a real one.

just_Jennie1

Two questions: Who is this "consultant" and where is the pain?

Honestly the only thing I can suggest would be an elliptical, or arc trainer. I had (have) a foot issue that kept me from doing any impact exercises for 2 months. I am someone who truly enjoys running for the fun of it and not being able to do that was tough. I went to a podiatrist and while he didn't do anything for me he explained what the issue was (high arches which puts a ton of pressure on the ball of my foot), made some funky thing to put under my toe and told me no flip flops and that I could run again. However before I went to him I was doing the arc trainer and stationary bike which didn't put a ton of pressure on my injured foot and allowed me to do my cardio. (I have since gone back to running and have worked up to 3 miles with no walk break)

However without knowing my first two questions I can't really say.

ETA: Took out bicycle. Didn't see the part where you said you can't ride a bike.

prdavies1949

Hi for the information of our Non English friends a consultant is a very senior NHS doctor. To the OP I would suggest that you just google " low impact cardio" and you will come up with dozens of exercises, DVDs and videos you could try. I know you are looking for motivational groups and it may be that there are some group workouts in your local Gym that may help. Other than that it is best to listen to your doc and I hope that with rest you will be back out doing your park runs again soon.

db34fit69

Try a rowing machine, it really works your arms, too!

Breizier

I had to be referred to a rheumatologist. I experienced lower back, hip and knee pain and swelling.

Just before I ceased up I went to a specialist running shop and bought running shoes to address my pronation £105 trainers used twice!!!

I have always hated running and jogging, but the parkruns were so friendly and encouraging that I actually really got into challenging my self and enjoying it. I actually found a way of exercising that gave me the focus and motive to keep going.

The specialist has suggested elliptical and stationary bike, but like most people, I have various bits of equipment gathering dust in my home. Joining a gym been there done that not my thing.

Mr_Knight

5km is really not very far. Especially as a walk-run at low pace.

If this isn't a safe distance, surely your specialist gave you some rather specific reasons as to why, and as to *precisely* what was wrong? Personally i wouldn't leave the consulting room without knowing that!

db34fit69

You could also learn how to ride a bike, it is never too late. Try a recumbent, they are much more comfortable and you can ride considerably longer.

TheLoneMarmot

Did you feel the consultant's advice was sound?

I say this because I've seen a few cases where clinicians will say stop running/jogging and it has seemed to me this was because they could identify no clear cause of a problem.

Clearly, he knew your history and is medically qualified - neither of which apply to me. But, I wonder if you could gently try going back to your old programme (without this 30 day shred) after seeking a second opinion?

It seems a shame to give up something you enjoyed doing and motivated you so well. It's difficult enough for many people to find an exercise they like.

BeccaBollons

Hi I too have been banned from doing jogging (which upset me terribly) but my consultant said swimming and cycling. Now I couldn't cycle either but I thought I've got to do SOMETHING! So I bought a bike and learned to ride it at the grand old age of 30! I'm so happy, and completely addicted to cycling, I even have a trailer fot my 2 year old to sit in. My 6 year old just learned to ride her bike this summer, so we have been cheering each other on.
Be brave, take a chance! You might love it
Also as regards exercises I do lots of body weight exercises that particularly work my core and are no-impact.

Breizier

Hi for the information of our Non English friends a consultant is a very senior NHS doctor. To the OP I would suggest that you just google " low impact cardio" and you will come up with dozens of exercises, DVDs and videos you could try. I know you are looking for motivational groups and it may be that there are some group workouts in your local Gym that may help. Other than that it is best to listen to your doc and I hope that with rest you will be back out doing your park runs again soon.

I have never been able to sustain exercise as it bores me rigid. The motivation and support I got from the Parkrunners did make a difference as did having that very defined target. I am really looking for something with that magic set of ingredients that triggers my imagination and commitment.

Breizier

I have to admit that I wondered if the pounding my joints were taking from the star jumps skipping etc in the 30DS were the straw that broke the camels back. I now have better (as in proper) running shoes - used only twice and have thought to go back to the parkrun to see how I feel.

TheLoneMarmot

I have to admit that I wondered if the pounding my joints were taking from the star jumps skipping etc in the 30DS were the straw that broke the camels back. I now have better (as in proper) running shoes - used only twice and have thought to go back to the parkrun to see how I feel.

Because otherwise, from your descriptions, it seems the consultant has more or less banned you from even walking?!

Breizier

I have a bike but because my hubby taught me aged 30+ I have no confidence and just keep falling off it. It only comes out for a few days some summers only on Sustrans or other cycle routes. Because I am scared I will fall off it, I fall off even more. Having sustained several pretty heavy falls the last time I tried (2 yrs ago) and still have the scars I haven't taken it out and always write off the idea of using my bike to exercise. I need to change this attitude and get protective gear.

_Zardoz_

Swimming

Breizier

You could also learn how to ride a bike, it is never too late. Try a recumbent, they are much more comfortable and you can ride considerably longer.

They actually look like so much fun, but the consultant says no to both. The recumbent bike will put pressure on my knees and hips that I need to avoid and apparently I have been compensating for a problem so my bio mechanics are far stronger on one side than the other. Unless I can row under the supervision of a physio he say this will exacerbate my problems.

Breizier

Two questions: Who is this "consultant" and where is the pain?

Honestly the only thing I can suggest would be an elliptical, or arc trainer. I had (have) a foot issue that kept me from doing any impact exercises for 2 months. I am someone who truly enjoys running for the fun of it and not being able to do that was tough. I went to a podiatrist and while he didn't do anything for me he explained what the issue was (high arches which puts a ton of pressure on the ball of my foot), made some funky thing to put under my toe and told me no flip flops and that I could run again. However before I went to him I was doing the arc trainer and stationary bike which didn't put a ton of pressure on my injured foot and allowed me to do my cardio. (I have since gone back to running and have worked up to 3 miles with no walk break)

However without knowing my first two questions I can't really say.

ETA: Took out bicycle. Didn't see the part where you said you can't ride a bike.

I can technically ride a bike. But my lack of confidence mean I do literally fall off regularly. Anything comes near me and I panic slam on the breaks and am straight over the handlebars. In 20 years of trying to ride I haven't managed to curb this reaction hence I feel unable to ride.

traceyjj

Swimming

This is a good form of cardio! Maybe walking in the pool too, or jogging in the pool... or aqua aerobics. I believe all of those are non-impact or very low impact.

Breizier

5km is really not very far. Especially as a walk-run at low pace.

If this isn't a safe distance, surely your specialist gave you some rather specific reasons as to why, and as to *precisely* what was wrong? Personally i wouldn't leave the consulting room without knowing that!

It might not be to you, but I feel every single inch of those 3.1 miles.

I do know what was wrong and agree with the consultant. Running is bad for me. Putting 3 times your weight through your knee joints when you run especially on concrete/tarmac is not good in the longterm. In my case nor in the short term as it triggered my body into mimicking the symptoms of a debilitating chronic disease. I stopped and the symptoms have gradually gone away.

Heronimos

Kickbike... You can do the same round in you park, but with a lot less impact on you joints (even less as walking). And you can do this very slow (lite)...

I love it

http://kickbike.com/

fivethreeone

Happily, you do not need to do impactful exercises to get in amazing shape.

Obviously the cardio is a problem for you, but there is an easy solution: start lifting heavy weights. The ones you start with won't be that heavy, but they will feel heavy to you. Your strength will increase and you will be able to progress with heavier weights.

No impact necessary and so much fun.

DawnieB1977

I know you don't like bikes, but how about trying spinning? You can't actually fall off them, unless your balance is really bad!

You could also do aerobics as good instructors usually demonstrate low impact versions of the routines too.