Alternatives to Running?

nomsquared
nomsquared Posts: 35 Member
edited January 6 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm sidelining myself for this week because my knee's been acting up. I don't want to push it this week with running more. Are there any similar exercises that I can do that aren't very hard on my knees?

I have a phobia of deep water, so swimming is unfortunately out of the question :(

Replies

  • Lrdoflamancha
    Lrdoflamancha Posts: 1,280 Member
    Swimming in shallow pool. I cycle it is much easier on the knees.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    walking. perhaps uphill.
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    Depends somewhat on what is going on with the knee but here are some choices....

    1. Walking
    2. Swimming in relatively shallow water
    3. elliptical
    4. Treadmill (sometimes easier on the knees than streets.. but walk, don't run)
    5. REST.... OK< not a cardio exercise but sometimes this is really what our bodies really need.
  • jmadams111
    jmadams111 Posts: 145 Member
    I have two painful knees due to football, gout and over weight; walking fast used to work bu walking in a pool waist deep adds a lot more resistance than you can imagine with little stress on the knees. Cycling also works better than I expected.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Lots of good options given. What's up with the knee, specifically? Maybe there's some modification you can make that won't hurt it again once it's back to baseline?
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    I'm sidelining myself for this week because my knee's been acting up. I don't want to push it this week with running more. Are there any similar exercises that I can do that aren't very hard on my knees?

    I have a phobia of deep water, so swimming is unfortunately out of the question :(
    A lot of the time, knees act up because the muscles around them are weak, and can't properly support the joint.

    Try wrapping your knee, taking a break from the cardio, and doing some lower body resistance (think squats and lunges. Don't add any extra weight, though). I frequently suffered from achy knees during running. The pain went away as my legs got stronger from resistance training.

    That being said, I'm not a doctor. It's possibly you're suffering from knee pain because of actual joint damage. If the pain persists even after a few days of rest, I'd recommend seeing your doctor.
  • nomsquared
    nomsquared Posts: 35 Member
    These are great ideas - thanks everyone! I do have access to a gym, so do you think the elliptical/stairmaster would be okay too?


    I think there are a few reasons why I have knee pain:
    1) I increased my mileage
    2) I've been running significantly faster
    3) I've been less cautious about going downhill slower

    Well, lesson learned, and I'll be more careful starting next week :)
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    These are great ideas - thanks everyone! I do have access to a gym, so do you think the elliptical/stairmaster would be okay too?


    I think there are a few reasons why I have knee pain:
    1) I increased my mileage
    2) I've been running significantly faster
    3) I've been less cautious about going downhill slower

    Well, lesson learned, and I'll be more careful starting next week :)
    Both of those machines are much easier on the knees, especially the elliptical.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    rest means rest. if your knee is hurting you, go ahead and take a week or two off, and THEN start some of these lighter activities. If you're balking at the idea of a week off imagine having to take 3-6 months off. Let your knees rest
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    Rest & use a neoprene knee brace. I got one at a medical supply place near my house. Neoprene is amazing.

    Also I recommend bathing in magnesium chloride like Life-Glo or Ancient Minerals, and spraying your hurt areas with magnesium oil spray.

    Then, I would recommend walking on flat surfaces first and build up that way, then walk on hills.

    Hope that helps.

    If you're wondering about the mag oil - yes it sounds like bs/bunko/etc & I thought so too, but you might try the spray first, and see if it works, then go for the flakes for your bath. GL.
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