Looking for a low-impact plan

dlvuyovich
dlvuyovich Posts: 102 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a coworker who is looking for a high intensity, but low-impact workout. Here are his stats:
50years
In good shape
knee issues - had knee surgery that took out part of his cartilage so he is avoiding running
He does incline treadmill (walking) & bike
Naval Academy grad - so he's no stranger to hard work & discipline
All he knows is his classic push/pull weightlifting program, which is fine but talk about hitting a plateau!

He has mentioned that he needs a good program, and that his flexibility also needs some work. I believe he is worried about further breaking his body (too manly to admit it). I also think he sees how hard I work out and misses being challenged. Most of the stuff I do might be too hard on his knees, or he needs to get his flexibility and confidence back first. Not sure.

Anyhoo, can anyone recommend a program that will challenge him but not break him? Is P90x too much? I talked to him about a trainer but he wasn't crazy about the idea of having to commit schedule-wise. I suggested You Are You're Own Gym, but he doesn't have a smartphone or tablet.

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    With knee and flexibility issues, it's best to get a customized program from a good personal trainer, and possibly also from a physical therapist. All one-size-fits-all programs will be risky.

    What is his goal? Fat loss? Muscle gain? General conditioning?
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    dlvuyovich wrote: »
    I have a coworker who is looking for a high intensity, but low-impact workout. Here are his stats:
    50years
    In good shape
    knee issues - had knee surgery that took out part of his cartilage so he is avoiding running
    He does incline treadmill (walking) & bike
    Naval Academy grad - so he's no stranger to hard work & discipline
    All he knows is his classic push/pull weightlifting program, which is fine but talk about hitting a plateau!

    He has mentioned that he needs a good program, and that his flexibility also needs some work. I believe he is worried about further breaking his body (too manly to admit it). I also think he sees how hard I work out and misses being challenged. Most of the stuff I do might be too hard on his knees, or he needs to get his flexibility and confidence back first. Not sure.

    Anyhoo, can anyone recommend a program that will challenge him but not break him? Is P90x too much? I talked to him about a trainer but he wasn't crazy about the idea of having to commit schedule-wise. I suggested You Are You're Own Gym, but he doesn't have a smartphone or tablet.

    Regarding YAYOG - the book is $13 on Amazon. No need for a phone - I only use the book version.
  • quiltbugj
    quiltbugj Posts: 89 Member
    Kettle bells. Check out Tracy Reifkind and her husband Mark Reifkind on YouTube
  • dlvuyovich
    dlvuyovich Posts: 102 Member
    Pretty sure it is muscle gain and general conditioning. He's not overweight. I tried to push the qualified trainer option but he didn't bite.

    I'll recommend the Kettle Bell folks and the YAYOG book to him. If he still doesn't bite, he's on his own.

    Thanks for the clarification & recommendations.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories