I'm on time out from the treadmill (not willingly)

Back in 2006 I had an ACL and Meniscus repair from a skiing accident. Every time I workout on the treadmill it has always been an issue for me and now that I am taking my workout and diet seriously the pain has come back with revenge! I started physical therapy today and they said I have Patella Femoral syndrome. AKA I need to stay off the treadmill for up to 6 weeks until I can build up more muscle to correct my issues with my knee.
Does anyone have any suggestions for an amazing cardio workout? I tried the elliptical today but I never broke a sweat until 20 minutes into it while giving a pretty high effort! I have lost 10lbs as of today and I have so much motivation to keep going but I'm getting frustrated with these pansy cardio workouts!! HELP!!!

Replies

  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    Do you have access to a pool
    I would also talk to the PT and see what suggestions they have. They may have access to cardio equipment to work the upper body that you could use
  • Craigamears
    Craigamears Posts: 65 Member
    I never thought of elliptical as a pansy cardio workout. Crank up that resistance. I always thought those treadmill folks were the pansies!!! :bigsmile:
  • CharRicho
    CharRicho Posts: 389 Member
    I agree on the pool. Swimming lengths actually burns quite a few calories and is an amazing way to tone. You don't realize how much effort you're exerting.
  • RepsnSets
    RepsnSets Posts: 805 Member
    You might want to up the level on the cross trainer. Im the same though, much prefer the treadmll. This morning I had to use the stationery bike at the gym and the cross trainer not a happy camper!
  • How aout a rowing machine?
  • jdyer90
    jdyer90 Posts: 15 Member
    They said to try the bike or the elliptical and I did both tonight but they just didn't do anything for me. The treadmills kept looking at me I swear it was such a tease working out next to them! I had just arrived at my first goal which was to run my first mile without stopping and now I'm forced to put the breaks on it. I guess I'm just afraid I will lose my momentum. Looks like it;s going to be a love hate (mostly hate) elliptical relationship!
  • skcardiog
    skcardiog Posts: 316 Member
    Exercise bike or rower will get your heart moving, as well as keep your injured area under less stress.
  • RepsnSets
    RepsnSets Posts: 805 Member
    They said to try the bike or the elliptical and I did both tonight but they just didn't do anything for me. The treadmills kept looking at me I swear it was such a tease working out next to them! I had just arrived at my first goal which was to run my first mile without stopping and now I'm forced to put the breaks on it. I guess I'm just afraid I will lose my momentum. Looks like it;s going to be a love hate (mostly hate) elliptical relationship!

    I fully understand your frustrations. I have had my fair share of injuries forcing me to leave the Treadmill. Always seems to happen when the going is good too.
  • jdyer90
    jdyer90 Posts: 15 Member
    I crept the resistance up on myself, I could feel the burn in my thighs no doubt but I just couldn't seem to get my heart rate up as high as running. I will see if I can play around with it tomorrow along with the rowing machine.. Thanks for the suggestions everyone :)