Been over 3 years!!!

MissGigi1

I have been doing a quick warm up, weight training, and ending with cardio. I'm trying to build up to more than 10 minutes of cardio. Before last month I hadn't been to the gym in over 3 years so I am very out of shape. My knees are very bad and hurt even after brisk walks.
I get so tired running, walking up stairs, etc. I used to run and just keep going on and on. Now it's not possible for me to do this.

Any cardio suggestions that will be kind to my knees and not bore me to tears?

papastu

elipical machine ? rowing machine?

tashacan

I love my elliptical! I was just telling a friend this morning that even the treadmill hurts my legs but the elliptical doesn't. Good luck!

Janie5605

I've got a significantly damaged knee at the moment (tears, fractures basically everything is screwed in there) and I've been doing leg lifts to strengthen my knees I can see/feel a HUGE difference. Doctor 3 weeks ago was convinced i needed surgery now he's on my age and says physical therapy should do. I do crunches, leg lifts, chair presses, and push ups daily while watching TV.

AdrienneKaren

Walking is good. I've heard elliptical machines are easy on the knees as well. Don't worry if you can't do more than a minute at a time on those. I'm not in horrible shape and they kick my butt. As you loose weight and build muscle, your knees will probably get better unless you've had an injury. You might consider talking to a doctor if the knee pain doesn't improve.

la_nanita

I was the same way. I am doing the elliptical machine. Since it does not hurt my knees. It is boring but good music helps A LOT! When I did it for the first time I thought I was going to pass out after 5 mins at a level 1 fat burning setting. My HR got to 184!!! But I did push myself to stay on for 45 mins and now I am achieving 30-45 mins on a level 3 random setting and my HR does not max above 174. I also adding some strength training because I have reached a plateau.


Good luck.

kelleyish

Bike riding is very easy on the knees. Doing it outside is much more interesting and fun (which makes it easier to go longer) than in the gym, but stationary bikes will do if you don't have a regular one. Also, I recommend the recumbent style. Elliptical machines are also low-impact.

During the winter when I'm trying to get my cardio all done in the gym, what I like to do is several different machines, each for 10-20 minutes, which makes it easier than trying to do a whole 30-60 minutes on the same thing. Try 10 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the elliptical, and 10 minutes on the bike...

Good luck!

dmpizza

I have similar knee issues. I find elliptical machines to be the easiest followed by real bicycles or stationary bicycles. Of course swimming is the best, I don't have regular access to a pool.

MissGigi1

OMG you guys are amazingly dedicated! I did the elliptical my last workout and it was good but HARD. I used the Interval setting on level 1 and did 8 minutes. I thought I was dead after!!! I will try bringing music with me maybe that will help. I had x-rays of my knees done and they are okay. They also suggested strength training so I started that last week as well. We will see what happens!!!!

123456654321

The elipical is a godsend for people with bad knees! I speak from experience unfortunately.