OMG it HURTS!!

prouddaddy_4
prouddaddy_4 Posts: 4
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, I'm no rocket scientist, and I've been in the Army for almost 12 years now, but I have a dilemma. I have undergone knee surgery on both of my knees between Aug 2008 and now, and am still having issues. I cannot run anymore, and walking is taking it's toll. For Army Physical Fitness, I'm limited to upper and lower body weight training (i.e. push-ups, sit-ups and variations on each), but my cardio is lacking. I do take walks, and my job requires me to do a bit of walking everyday. What I'm trying to find out is, besides swimming and eliptical, what kind of things could I do to count as a cardio? I don't want to sounds stupid here, but I'm only good for a few logical thoughts a day before I burn out.. lol.

Replies

  • smuehlbauer
    smuehlbauer Posts: 1,041 Member
    if you can stand in a squat, start throwing punches. You'd be amazed at how fast that gets your heart rate going!
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    if you can stand in a squat, start throwing punches. You'd be amazed at how fast that gets your heart rate going!

    I was going to say this, too. I learned this move from the 30 Day Shred. You would be amazed how it gets your heart pumping.
  • dansdeb
    dansdeb Posts: 164
    I have severe knee problems also - one knee totally replaced, the next one to be done next year. You can work a heavy bag and also use some weight machines. I had to start at "0" lbs on the weight machines (leg machines) and have worked up to 30 lbs. My doc told me that the treadmill and walking on paved surfaces are very bad for knees - so up to you, but I avoid them like the plague. Good luck - use some imagination
  • Jenks
    Jenks Posts: 349
    You could even do the punches sitting in a chair, so you don't add any stress on your knees.
  • Answerwoman
    Answerwoman Posts: 2
    Do the Pilates rebounder as there is no stress on the knees or hips. I have bad feet and cannot stand or do jumping, or jogging for any perid of time. My sister had a total knee and she does about 12 minutes and a friend had a total hip replacement last year and she does 30 minutes everyday. I only do about 20 minutes a day
  • jamiesgotagun
    jamiesgotagun Posts: 670 Member
    Swimming!!!
  • red01angel
    red01angel Posts: 806 Member
    This might sound silly, but when I broke my foot a few months ago, I actually borrowed a wheelchair from my college where I'm a nursing student, and did laps around the track with that. It was quite a grueling cardio and upper body workout! I got effing ripped!
  • jamiesgotagun
    jamiesgotagun Posts: 670 Member
    Swimming!!!

    Oops sorry must of read right over the swimming part.

    Good Luck!!! Knee problems suck!!
  • megamom
    megamom Posts: 920 Member
    I was going to suggest the Wheel chair also. doing fast laps will get your heart rate zooming and save your knees. Water aerobics is also wonderful for a cardio workout and you don't have sweat dripping in your head. You can't believe how good a workout it is until you try it. Its my all time favorite.

    And also, thank you for your service.
  • prouddaddy_4
    prouddaddy_4 Posts: 4
    if you can stand in a squat, start throwing punches. You'd be amazed at how fast that gets your heart rate going!

    I probably could for a little while... might have to just try the Pilates thing although I have never looked into it. Knee bends and lunge type stuff are a killer for me though, and swimming I would love to do, but unfortunately don't get time to. Wheelchair things sounds fun, but I'd have to locate one. German Hospitals might not like me walking off with that...
  • toddx007
    toddx007 Posts: 1
    Yoga. Kundalini should help increase your heart rate for a good cardio work out. It gets you to focus on breathing as well as stretching and moving.
  • prouddaddy_4
    prouddaddy_4 Posts: 4

    And also, thank you for your service.

    Thank you for your support, I couldn't find a job that I love more than the one I do!
  • oats4breakfast
    oats4breakfast Posts: 225
    Don't they have bicycles you can pedal with your hands ? A "handcycle" perhaps ?
    I had also thought that cycling (normal cycling) was also less of an impact on your knees, than simply going for walks.
    Would it hurt to ask your PT guys in the army ? Or are they all about push/pull ups and bench presses ?
  • amy1612
    amy1612 Posts: 1,356 Member
    If you cycle properly you shouldnt have much strain on your knees,so yeah,I would recommed cycling. Also,if you can find a gym with a precor AMT machine,then they are great. Like running or cross training, but without strain on the joints :)
  • solvig
    solvig Posts: 25
    I have bad knees as well and walking really makes them worse, but when I ride my bike I can really feel the difference. It helps to strengthen the muscles around the knee with very little impact to the knee. After long rides, I will be a little sore, but the more often I ride, the better it gets.

    Good luck.
  • Thinwithin2010
    Thinwithin2010 Posts: 166 Member
    Being as heavy as I am walking does take a toll on my knees but I mix it up with riding my bike.. It gets my heart rate up and I feel like I actually did something with minimul knee issues.. Good luck!
  • smuehlbauer
    smuehlbauer Posts: 1,041 Member
    This might sound silly, but when I broke my foot a few months ago, I actually borrowed a wheelchair from my college where I'm a nursing student, and did laps around the track with that. It was quite a grueling cardio and upper body workout! I got effing ripped!

    OMG - thank you for this. I am having foot surgery (again) in December! That is an awesome idea. Even better will be trying to so thru the snow here in wisconsin. LOL.
  • spike1380
    spike1380 Posts: 82
    I have to agree with the boxing. Until today I only did the Rhythm Boxing on my Wii Fit but today I found boxing on the Wii sports. I did that for half an hour and by the time I was done I was panting harder than after any other cardio exercise I have ever done. I did it standing up but I didn't do much in the way of bending my knees. I could do it without moving anything below the waist but it wouldn't be as much fun. For you though, it may be perfect. If the gym on the base has one, try a speed bag. I've never used one because my elbows can't take the impact but it looks like a great cardio workout.
  • FireRox21
    FireRox21 Posts: 424 Member
    As some other people have said, boxing really gets your heart rate up. I can't even finish the practice rounds on my Wii Boxing without collapsing on the couch!! And I'm a competitive swimmer! I have RA and cannot walk, run, or use the elliptical. And believe it or not, even with the huge amounts of swimming I do, I don't seem to burn enough calories to get the weight off. So, I too, am interested in what other options are out there for cardio.
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