Help - Ive been banned from Jogging and impact exercise

13

Replies

  • rmsrws
    rmsrws Posts: 639 Member
    I was also told by my docs to avoid high impact and running......so I use my elliptical, recumbent bike, gazelle, stair stepper. There really is a lot you can do as far as cardio, and have it not be high impact!
  • jcs0530
    jcs0530 Posts: 70 Member
    I started getting joint pain when running. My wife bought me a StreetStrider for Christmas last year. Great no impact workout. Fun too.
  • jacknife76
    jacknife76 Posts: 4 Member
    Do you have access to a pool? You can do a lot of low-impact exercises in water.
    Oh and yoga.

    I have also found that Tai Chi (make sure its taught by a certified master) has helped my increase my balance, muscle tone and endurance. I also have a lot of pain from running. (mine is muscular, however). It has helped me a great deal. Tai Chi is a very low-impact martial art, but is very hard if you are doing it the correct way. And man, do you sweat!
  • WhoDat5o4
    WhoDat5o4 Posts: 50 Member
    I broke my ankle in the tough mudder race (please don't do it, the obstacles are shotty and many people get injured. Its not tough it's stupid!) Anyhow, swimming has kept me sane as I recover. If possible, you may even want to try open water swimming, and/or look for swim groups in your area. Great low impact exercise and my endurance has never been better. Good luck!

    Glad you are on the mend. Just had a quick look at TM and WOW. Hats off to you for taking that challenge. The only thing about the TM that attracts me is that you have to have support and some team work. Otherwise you all are nuts in the best possible way.

    Thanks! It was nice to have a goal to train towards, and it did make me push myself, but the obstacles were not safe. The safety factor had nothing to do with physical ability and more towards poor work on the part of the race. Three months later and I still cannot run, but I am working around it. I am very happy that my injury was not worse than it was.
  • WhoDat5o4
    WhoDat5o4 Posts: 50 Member
    I broke my ankle in the tough mudder race (please don't do it, the obstacles are shotty and many people get injured. Its not tough it's stupid!) Anyhow, swimming has kept me sane as I recover. If possible, you may even want to try open water swimming, and/or look for swim groups in your area. Great low impact exercise and my endurance has never been better. Good luck!

    Glad you are on the mend. Just had a quick look at TM and WOW. Hats off to you for taking that challenge. The only thing about the TM that attracts me is that you have to have support and some team work. Otherwise you all are nuts in the best possible way.

    Thanks! It was nice to have a goal to train towards, and it did make me push myself, but the obstacles were not safe. The safety factor had nothing to do with physical ability and more towards poor work on the part of the race. Three months later and I still cannot run, but I am working around it. I am very happy that my injury was not worse than it was.
  • WhoDat5o4
    WhoDat5o4 Posts: 50 Member
    Sorry for the double post!
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    Can you get a second opinion?

    I could, but I agree with the diagnosis. 6 weeks without exercise, eating, drinking and putting on some of the weight Id lost, and I am almost back to normal levels of aches and pains.

    My problem is the solution conflicts with what I want to achieve which is to build up my stamina.
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    Happily, you do not need to do impactful exercises to get in amazing shape.

    Obviously the cardio is a problem for you, but there is an easy solution: start lifting heavy weights. The ones you start with won't be that heavy, but they will feel heavy to you. Your strength will increase and you will be able to progress with heavier weights.

    No impact necessary and so much fun.

    I came in here to say this ^^^ But, I would like to add that some of the benefits of lifting are increased stability, increased LBM, and increased bone density. My suspicion is that if you brought in lifting, that you would be able to re-incorporate running into your life. You loved it so much, it would be worth it to try to be able to bring it back.

    Heavy lifting has never attracted me however I completely acknowledge that even when I was 21 and fit, the girl with the best figure I was green with envy about did heavy lifting. So many people mention it and before and after photos absolutely back up the impact it has on body shape that I really am going to have to build some into my regime some how.

    Your comment about strengthening hits home as I am doing the (very very boringly) passive strengthening exercises the consultant gave me. Same outcome different paths perhaps?
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    I just got home from walking around a festival and am in pain. It stinks to have a body that cannot handle impact. You can get a good cardio workout on a recumbent bike, but you just need to force yourself to work hard and do it a little longer. I aim for 45 minutes.

    Amen to that. Hope your pain has eased. The bike option has joined my list of suggestions that I have taken from here. thank you
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    I was also told by my docs to avoid high impact and running......so I use my elliptical, recumbent bike, gazelle, stair stepper. There really is a lot you can do as far as cardio, and have it not be high impact!

    You look great. Well done. The gazelle is a new one to me, I have added it to my list of machines to look at. Thank you
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    I started getting joint pain when running. My wife bought me a StreetStrider for Christmas last year. Great no impact workout. Fun too.

    If thats your bike, it reminds me of the go carts we used as kids (fantastic fun). Sadly I can't do the legs forward motion but thanks for the suggestion. I wish i could though.
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    I started getting joint pain when running. My wife bought me a StreetStrider for Christmas last year. Great no impact workout. Fun too.

    That bike reminds me of the go-carts we used to have as kids fun fun fun, but sadly I have been advised not to cycle in a legs forward position.
  • schmenge55
    schmenge55 Posts: 745 Member
    You can still have targets regardless of your choice of exercise. If you are able/want to go the race walking route you can still do races and usually find people, even running, for the camaraderie. I am getting ready for a 1/2 marathon and did a group "run" this weekend that I walked finding a pacing group that was about the same
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    Try a rowing machine, it really works your arms, too!

    I :heart: rowing!
  • smarionette
    smarionette Posts: 260 Member
    My husband recently fractured his kneecap and spent a few months with a "no impact exercise" order and is just now getting back to running. Throughout his recovery he worked with a physical therapist (I would find one ASAP) who helped him along but the basics of what they had him doing?

    1) strengthen hips
    2) low impact exercises in the pool
    3) stationary bike
    4) strengthen hips (seriously, his hips and glutes got the most work)
    5) yoga (I personally love this one and swear by it for my own joint problems)

    Just remember, even if you have the no jogging order now, it is not permanent. Take care of your knees, strengthen your legs and back, and then hit the trails again later.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I had to be referred to a rheumatologist . I experienced lower back, hip and knee pain and swelling.

    Just before I ceased up I went to a specialist running shop and bought running shoes to address my pronation £105 trainers used twice!!!

    I have always hated running and jogging, but the parkruns were so friendly and encouraging that I actually really got into challenging my self and enjoying it. I actually found a way of exercising that gave me the focus and motive to keep going.

    The specialist has suggested elliptical and stationary bike, but like most people, I have various bits of equipment gathering dust in my home. Joining a gym been there done that not my thing.

    My rheumatologist told me the same thing, NO high impact exercises. I played sports semi pro for over 25 years and wasn't what I wanted to hear, but I blindly followed his advice..

    Low impact exercises led to daily meds to take, and walking with a cane, and out of shape first time in my life.

    Lost a 20lbs on diet alone, then started to run again. Guess what? No drugs, no hip pain, no knee pains, no back pain for first time in my life. I run every day at least 5k. Lost another 20lbs and now I'm in better shape then when I was doing two-a-days for training camp.

    Not saying don't listen to your rheumy, but I will say many doctors have made mistakes on diagnosing me that would of cost me my life if I followed their advice. Find what works for you and do it.
  • benjicloverdale
    benjicloverdale Posts: 92 Member
    As others have said, ellipticals and stationary bikes are good non-impact exercise. Rowing machines too. I know you don't like gyms, but if you are looking for motivation, maybe you should look to join a gym that has group classes, esp. spinning. Regardless of what the rest of the class does, you could just pedal at your own speed, but be surrounded by good music and motivated people. There are all sorts of classes, and many of them are non impact movements that work with your weight, or exercise balls, etc...and, if you speak to the instructor, they will give you suggestions on how to modify the movements in a way that best suits your limitations.
  • ukulelist
    ukulelist Posts: 33 Member
    I want to second the recommendation someone made briefly in this thread about Spin classes if there's some near you (it's like guided indoor cycling). With a good teacher, it's one of the least boring, most fun motivating cardio workouts I've ever had indoors. Try a few teachers to find one whose style is motivational to you and where you love the music they play, or ask around for recommendations. I find doing indoor elliptical / spin bike exercises incredibly boring without this kind of class, but I looove spin classes and find that they motivate me to push about 3x harder than I can do on my own.

    These classes can be really challenging but you set your own challenge level, so just start off at an easy gear and work up.

    Good news is, my experience was that after taking 3 years off running because of knee problems, but doing a lot of spin classes and weight training (squats/lunges etc.), I built cardio endurance and strength that carried over to running really well. When my Physical Therapist gave me the OK to go back to running I was actually *faster* than I was 3 years ago when I got injured. I mean I was basically the slowest runner in the world before, and now I'm like... running at speeds that are not even embarrassing? So if you love running, and don't want to lose your progress while you recover, squats and vigorous indoor cycling are pretty great :)
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    Do you have access to a pool? You can do a lot of low-impact exercises in water.
    Oh and yoga.

    I have also found that Tai Chi (make sure its taught by a certified master) has helped my increase my balance, muscle tone and endurance. I also have a lot of pain from running. (mine is muscular, however). It has helped me a great deal. Tai Chi is a very low-impact martial art, but is very hard if you are doing it the correct way. And man, do you sweat!

    You sweat with Tai Chi??? I just think of it as exercise that the elders do. Clearly not. I will add it to my list. Thank you for the suggestion.
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    You can still have targets regardless of your choice of exercise. If you are able/want to go the race walking route you can still do races and usually find people, even running, for the camaraderie. I am getting ready for a 1/2 marathon and did a group "run" this weekend that I walked finding a pacing group that was about the same

    This is the closest environment to the park run. I am going to talk to my consultant about it.
  • FitCurves444
    FitCurves444 Posts: 169 Member
    I had to start walking..... as fast as my little legs can go. I still get a great, challenging workout and I love it. Hope you get well soon.
  • Breizier
    Breizier Posts: 221 Member
    I had to be referred to a rheumatologist . I experienced lower back, hip and knee pain and swelling.

    Just before I ceased up I went to a specialist running shop and bought running shoes to address my pronation £105 trainers used twice!!!

    I have always hated running and jogging, but the parkruns were so friendly and encouraging that I actually really got into challenging my self and enjoying it. I actually found a way of exercising that gave me the focus and motive to keep going.

    The specialist has suggested elliptical and stationary bike, but like most people, I have various bits of equipment gathering dust in my home. Joining a gym been there done that not my thing.

    My rheumatologist told me the same thing, NO high impact exercises. I played sports semi pro for over 25 years and wasn't what I wanted to hear, but I blindly followed his advice..

    Low impact exercises led to daily meds to take, and walking with a cane, and out of shape first time in my life.

    Lost a 20lbs on diet alone, then started to run again. Guess what? No drugs, no hip pain, no knee pains, no back pain for first time in my life. I run every day at least 5k. Lost another 20lbs and now I'm in better shape then when I was doing two-a-days for training camp.

    Not saying don't listen to your rheumy, but I will say many doctors have made mistakes on diagnosing me that would of cost me my life if I followed their advice. Find what works for you and do it.

    Thanks you so much for this as it is quite inspiring for me. The 6-weeks off has calmed my body down and is almost back to normal.
    The freak out i did is over and my head is back in gear.

    Your post has nudged me into remembering that I know my body best.

    I think phase 1 needs be get rid of the pounds I put back on this last few weeks and do the passive strength exercises the consultant gave me. Then put back on my expensive running shoes.

    Thank you so much for the reminder.
  • mojohowitz
    mojohowitz Posts: 900 Member
    1. Find an orthopedist or physical therapist.
    2. Try swimming.
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    I know you don't like bikes, but how about trying spinning? You can't actually fall off them, unless your balance is really bad!

    You could also do aerobics as good instructors usually demonstrate low impact versions of the routines too.

    Spinning is a great idea. Low impact, maximum cardio and you will probably find a class where you can find the friendships that motivated you before. My physiotherapist banned me from jogging but not for life. She doesn't believe in that. But she does suggest to alternate my different interest in sports to not overcharge the same muscles or articulations all the time.
  • Sharon_C
    Sharon_C Posts: 2,132 Member
    I was just told that I'm not allowed to do high impact exercises either. I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis that is very advanced for my age--so advanced that I'll need a hip replacement. My doctor told me the best exercise is anything in the water. Water aerobics, swimming, etc. I can bike (but I don't). And I can walk (but not run). I researched what types of exercises to do for hip arthritis and everything I read said strength exercises. So I joined a gym and am going to start strengthening my leg muscles.

    Good luck to you! I know how frustrating this is.
  • wanderingarcher
    wanderingarcher Posts: 695 Member
    I just have to put a plug in here-- so many of these injuries/weaknesses can be alleviated by proper alignment. I know this has worked for me. Also worked great in helping improve the prolapse issue!

    http://www.alignedandwell.com/
  • valenbryce
    valenbryce Posts: 10 Member
    Have you tried deep water running and/or aqua fitness? You can get a great no-impact cardio workout and there is a social component if you go to a class.
  • doctorsookie
    doctorsookie Posts: 1,084 Member
    I have to admit that I wondered if the pounding my joints were taking from the star jumps skipping etc in the 30DS were the straw that broke the camels back. I now have better (as in proper) running shoes - used only twice and have thought to go back to the parkrun to see how I feel.

    I got a lot of hip pain last Summer after finishing the 30 DS (and I don't blame Jillian, I love her with all my heart. She's awesome) and was finally diagnosed with a Hip Laberl Tear in November of last year. I am still recuperating and do not do high impact or running anymore. Not until an all clear which i will probably never get unless I end up having surgery because these won't heal themselves but need to be surgical repaired. Anyway, I started exercising in May (other than my Physical therapy exercises) and have lost 21 pounds from eating in moderation, walking, and I did an Ab challenge last month and this month is my arms. I walk about 36 miles a month for exercise and I also turned my work station into a standing work station. There are ways to take off the weight and keep it off without high impact and further injury. I would love to jog and run and jump and skip, but I remind myself how much weight I put on in 9 months of not being depressed about not being able to anything. I was using a walker for a month it was so bad during the cold months. I am easing back into it and last weekend I actully went skating for two hours. I had a blast and only fell once. I was worried at first that i reinjured myself but I seem to have just bruised my butt. :blushing:
  • sanndandi
    sanndandi Posts: 300 Member
    Many of you are suggesting swimming or pool exercises. But I'm pretty sure the OP said in her opening post that she does not get her hair wet and also that the chlorine triggers allergies. Just pointing that out. I agree that swimming is a good low impact option but obviously she needs other suggestions. Which she is getting, don't get me wrong. It just stood out to me that several posts just said swimming, swimming, swimming.
  • Joleen106
    Joleen106 Posts: 9 Member
    Have you tried boxing? You can get yourself a punching bag and gloves or see if there is a boxing gym near you.