Help What to do with 2 bad knees!

Aqua aerobics are real nice for people with knee injuries.

swimming :-)

Knee issues here too! Especially feeling now that the colder weather is starting to creep in. The local pool has been my lifesaver as far as exercise. I can do laps, take water aerobic / water zoomba classes and most of my weight loss is directly related to them. My area has a lot of schools that have pools and they offer classes as adult ed, I chose a membership at our local aquatic center, and for the first time in my life, I've used it every single week! No wasted membership money.

Walking is the best. I know you think it's boring, but at least you are still moving! Also, punches are a great way to get some cardio in when you have a bad lower body. Not boxing, but punches.

Additionally, you could work on your upper body strength and abs with bad knees. If you get some resistance bands, you can work on your shoulders and arms while sitting down, and crunches just require a floor!

I have a Gazelle Elliptical and my knees don't hurt at all when I use it.

I will say every time I have used an elliptical it has made my knees hurt even more.

Once the weight starts to come off, the pain in your knees should reduce.

bad knees here too. got some metal in there. lost almost 70 pounds (45 since joining mfp) since january by walking, biking and elliptical. would love to swim but nearest pool is a 20 minute drive. it can be done! love my evening or early morning walks. does so much to clear my mind too.

focus on what you can do, not what you can't. that will change your attitude and outlook.

i have found that since my type of exercise is limited, i have to be VERY careful with my diet.

good luck!

Hey, sorry to hear about your knees - that is rotten luck.

Firstly, what ever exercise you do make sure you warm up first!!! I would highly recommend using powerplates if you have access to them, I find they help HUGELY with rehab.

Is it the twisting of your knees which causes pain? For example - could you perhaps try (all on VERY light resistance to start)
1. Pilates/ Yoga - good for rehab and strengthening, make sure you pre-warn your instructor of this injury though to let them give you alternatives if any moves are difficult for you
2. using a cross trainer which takes the impact out of running but gives you a great cardio workout
3. using a rowing machine machine
4. swimming in front crawl (much less intensive on knees) the aquafit suggestion was also good
5. other core and upper body work but this depends on your GPs advice - are you supposed to keep your knees mobilised or try to avoid ALL activity??? This is very important to find out
6. If allowed to keep mobilised then what about gentle walking on an low incline on treadmill - slow and gentle, may help to slowly strengthen
7. If you use a bike, try using different bikes where you sit at different angles - work out which works best (if any) for you

I would also advise getting a good personal trainer if you can, not only can they suggest a wealth of exercises to suit your body and limitations, they will also closely watch your 'form' to reduce your risk of further injury. What ever you try needs to be in baby steps I'm afraid, your injury sounds serious and you need to listen to your body.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Pen

I have fluid in both of my knees, my left crunches quite a bit. I wear knee bands that have some padding right over the knee cap. I don't do any impact at all, if I do I feel it!!! I do the elliptical, brazil butt lit, slim in six pack, Jillian Michaels ripped in 30, speed bag ,& free weights. If any of my DVDs have impact I modify. I do squats & lunges very carefully.