different then normal excersizes?

marcenepea

I am looking for different ideas. I don't like going to the gym, and I walk the dog usually. I have bad knees so I have to be alittle careful there. I can't wait for the weather to get nicer so I can swim some.

So what do you do thats different?

marcenepea

Anyone have any thoughts?? LOL

wolfchild59

What is it that you don't like about going to the gym? Because things like stationary bikes, ARC trainers and elliptical machines await you there. All which will be good cardio options while being low impact.

Also just dropping pounds and building strength will help your knees as well. I've had bad knees most of my life, braces for both knees on a regular basis since junior high kind of bad. And I'm now going on over a year without having to wear a brace on either knee and run regularly, as I'm training for my first half marathon next month.

If you really just can't go to the gym at all, maybe look into chair workouts? There are also some easier duty kettlebell DVD's that are pretty low impact. There's one that comes in a set with a kettlebell by Danskin that's fairly easy-going.

TeaBea

Oh my gosh - there are so many things to do. What is normal anyway?

Hooping - using weighted hula hoops. Videos show you a variety of moves. Supposed to burn alot of calories (the bruises go away .... I hear)

Bosu Ball (half circle thingie) sits on the floor & you do a variety of moves. For the very coordinated (I wouldn't know)

Pole dancing (never tried it)

Rebounding - basically a mini trampoline to make things low impact. Lots of variety here. Kickboxing, bootcamp, dance. Urban Rebounding has a whole series. I WANT ONE!

Ballet / Barre - these look interesting. Directions on the internet to make your own "barre"

Belly Dancing - I suck at this

TeaBea

This is not different .... but it's definitely low impact & easy on the knees. I love the fact that I can do this "whenever."

Walk At Home by Leslie Sansone. It's not just walking, but instead it's aerobics without choreography. You can decrease the instensity until you are ready because there is no choreography. You don't have to worry about "keeping up."

You can easily increase the intensity with a few modifications (higher knees, bigger arm movements, jogging, light handweights)

Here's a clip of one of her solo walks (I like the group setting)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnsfbneFQ_8&feature=related

marcenepea

What is it that you don't like about going to the gym? Because things like stationary bikes, ARC trainers and elliptical machines await you there. All which will be good cardio options while being low impact.

Also just dropping pounds and building strength will help your knees as well. I've had bad knees most of my life, braces for both knees on a regular basis since junior high kind of bad. And I'm now going on over a year without having to wear a brace on either knee and run regularly, as I'm training for my first half marathon next month.

If you really just can't go to the gym at all, maybe look into chair workouts? There are also some easier duty kettlebell DVD's that are pretty low impact. There's one that comes in a set with a kettlebell by Danskin that's fairly easy-going.

I can go to the gym I just prefer to do something that doesn't feel as much like I'm working out. I know it sounds weird but I want to enjoy it. I can run, I just need to be careful about the impact. It causes pain, and then my knees will start to lock up or give out. So I just prefer less impact. I do realize dropping weight and excersize will make this stronger.

Thanks for the kettlebell idea, I could do some of that at home in bad weather. Or when I just don't feel like getting outside.

marcenepea

Wow! Thanks TeaBea. Alot of great different ideas. My husband will appreciate the pole dancing idea lol. I have never heard of weighted hula hoops sounds fun. I will be looking into all of these. I appreciate the ideas.

marie_2454

I have a 3.5 pound hula hoop that I use sometimes and I love rollerblading. The rollerblading is probably not the best thing for your knees lol, but it's different from my normal exercise and I really enjoy it

Edit: if you decide to get a weighted hula hoop, the lighter ones (like 1-2 pounds) are harder to keep up but a better workout. Also, don't get a hard plastic one with ridges and no padding; they kinda hurt and leave bruises when you first start. Two things I wish I knew when I bought mine years ago.

Crystalball78

I hear Zumba is a fun easy way to lose weight.
I'm going to my first class on saturday.

EgyptianMushroom

If you're having problems with your knees look into buying a knee stabilizer, preferably one that has springs on the side for support. I have one from Mueller and it helps out a lot!