Knee problems make it hard to work out. Suggestions?

chubbybunnee

yoga

TrailRunner61

You're the first person I've seen on here who has had an eating disorder. I did too. I was anorexic and was afraid that I'd get back to where I was(too thin) but so far so good and I have several pounds to lose yet! Maybe we should start our own group. It's hard to believe that I'm as big as I am now after being so thin! I'm now 166lbs. Lowest weight was 99lbs. Yikes!
As far as the knee problem, walking has helped me a lot. I don't know what kind of problem I had because I never saw a Dr. for it, but walking on a treadmill at a slow pace then gradually increasing the speed completely cured my problem. I couldn't even roll over in bed because the twisting hurt so bad! I'm now up to 3-4 miles a day and even jog some but I just started Christmas Eve. Also, like some others said, try walking or running in place underwater. Ive even seen underwater treadmills. Good luck!

adamsidea

my wife is rehabbing from from a complete ACL reconsturction and meniscus removal. What we have found is that walking on the treadmill helps and the seated bikes really help. Not the spin style bikes but the bike where you seated with your butt and back supported. It works really well for her.

meggyannpt

Coming from a physical therapy perspective (I'm a PT student), do LOTS of strengthening of your hips and ankles in addition to your knees (look up gluteus medius exercises). You have to be strong up and down the chain. Also make sure you have good footwear to work out in. Good shoes are very important to keeping your knee protected while working out.

As for the bulky legs, I feel you. I used to be a dancer and my legs bulk up like crazy. What I've found is my legs tend to bulk up at first, but eventually they tone up once I start to lose fat. I think what other people have suggested in terms swimming, pool exercises, yoga, pilates, etc would be great ways to tone up.