Workouts for people with a sensitive back and knees

tiff080301

Hi wanted to jump on here and ask if there are any workouts on this app for people with bad backs and knees? Thanks!

AnnPT77

I don't know of any on the app, but there are things that can work for a bad back and/or bad knees in the world at large.

The thing is, it matters what the issue is with knees and back.

To give an example from my own life (which may not apply directly to you): I have at least one torn meniscus (probably 2, but only 1 got scanned), plus osteoarthritis. By cautious experimenting, I've learned that I can do things that involve straight-line hinging motions of my knees, but not much impact or torque. My core activities are rowing (boats when possible, machines when I must; biking on trails when I can, stationary bike when I must). I can also do certain types of strength training.

Sometimes those workable things hurt a bit at the time, but they don't seem to make the situation worse overall. If I try to jog or run, or do activities involving twisting on a weighted knee (like most aerobics, some martial arts, fast-break games like tennis, etc.), the pain tends to worsen overall.

Your specifics will probably differ: I'm just trying to suggest that personalizing/customizing can matter.

As generic advice, some people do find water exercise (swimming, water walking, water aerobics kind of stuff) more manageable, because part of body weight is supported by the water. But it really does matter what the underlying musculoskeletal (and/or inflammatory) issues are.

If you can get a referral to a good physical therapist, that would be ideal. Those people can assess our movement patterns, help us remedy problems that can be improved, teach us how to minimize stress on the problem areas going forward, and suggest exercise types that may be more beneficial without being injurious.

For me, as I've gotten stronger/fitter (and lighter in weight), the joint problems have reduced somewhat. That makes careful, appropriate exercise a good thing, in my view.

I hope you're able to find a path forward!

tomcustombuilder

It will vary depending on what the knee and back issues are. If someone is overweight, losing weight is the best thing for both.

spiriteagle99

I would second the idea of seeing a physical therapist as well to work on strengthening your back and knees so you don't do further damage.