Exercises for bad knees???

bmp1290
bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
I totally ripped my acl to pieces years ago, had surgery to replace it but it still hasn't been the same ever since.
I'd like to know if there's any cardio exercises out there that work most of the body that are easy on the knees...Thanks!

Replies

  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    Something that works the body like jumping jacks but easier on the knees. Every time I try to do jumping jacks, I get to around 20-30 & it feels like my knee is literally going to break in half..... :/
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    I use a pool at my gym. Water is amazing on the joints. Do you have one available? So sorry to hear about your knee.

    Using the pool you can swim, do aqua classes like Pilates, Yoga, run in the water...you name it, it can be done in the water. I have a lot of knee pain and I swim and run in the water and take some classes...running in the pool has never caused any issues. I could never do it on land but the pool is completely different.

    Great resistance...or use a weight belt and ankle weights and workout in the deep water for an even different sort of workout. :) Hope you find what you need!
  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    Hearts_2015 wrote: »
    I use a pool at my gym. Water is amazing on the joints. Do you have one available? So sorry to hear about your knee.

    Using the pool you can swim, do aqua classes like Pilates, Yoga, run in the water...you name it, it can be done in the water. I have a lot of knee pain and I swim and run in the water and take some classes...running in the pool has never caused any issues. I could never do it on land but the pool is completely different.

    Great resistance...or use a weight belt and ankle weights and workout in the deep water for an even different sort of workout. :) Hope you find what you need!


    Thank you! I do not have pool access at the moment, but am planning on getting one this summer so I will def. Keep that in mind :smile:
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    Does cycling hurt? A lot of people with knee problems are ok on the bike. (If you haven't tried it, start with no resistance.)
  • SunflowerCat74
    SunflowerCat74 Posts: 258 Member
    Cycling / spin what were recommended to me. I still do weights/piyo/pilates/yoga and when my knees hurt I just back it off or modify the exercise. I always tell class instructors of my "limitations" so they are aware and will tell me when NOT to do a certain exercise that will aggravate the knees. When we do burpees in piyo I just skip the jumping.
  • rosestring
    rosestring Posts: 225 Member
    What strength training exercises are safe on the knees but good for the butt/thighs? As in, no squats or lunges...
  • Bellodesiderare
    Bellodesiderare Posts: 278 Member
    Do you have access to an Arc Trainer or Elliptical? Those are both joint friendly pieces of cardio equipment. You may also want to try Zumba. Good luck :)
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    My physio specialist showed me how to change any exercise in to low impact. I don't jump but step in place.

    I just saw another physiotherapist about my knees last night and after a full assessment he explained it is stiff hips that are putting pressure on my knees. He's given me a regimen of stretches to do before and after a run to loosen the hips up.

    It might not hurt to get reassessed.
  • dbanazek
    dbanazek Posts: 1 Member
    I took out both knees ACLs in separate skiing events in my 20's. Squats were the best, stretching the knee as shown by rehab PT guys, and lots of biking. I was skiing with a brace in a year, now 20 years later I still run and ski moguls. Squats, squats, squats they build the muscles that your body will learn to use protect the ACL.
  • Tamois
    Tamois Posts: 64 Member
    I'm having treatment for a knee problem, osteoarthritis and torn cartilidge and I see a physio. He showed me to do squats with your back against a wall so you slide up a down it. Don't push it so it hurts but do it slowly so it builds the muscle strength. Seated leg raises are good too. These will be good for toning but for cardio the pool is definitely the best and at a close second is cycling. I use a stationary bike with no resistance. Hope your injury doesn't give you too much pain and your knee improves.
  • dawnna76
    dawnna76 Posts: 987 Member
    stair stepping, or stair climbing. great cardio, muscle building, works glutes and will help to slowly build up the knees.
  • Jruzer
    Jruzer Posts: 3,501 Member
    - Elliptical
    - Rowing
    - Walk on the treadmill at a steep incline
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
    I sprained my LCL badly about 6 months ago in a powerlifting meet. I wasn't able to do regular squats after the meet but I was able to do wide stance, low bar, box squats with my hips sitting really far back in the hole. Gradually I worked my way back to doing standard barbell squats with no problems. Go on youtube and watch how Louie Simmons does box squats; those are the kind of squats I'm talking about. You'll get more hamstring and glute activation than with a standard squat which makes it much easier on your knees.
  • meganyantha
    meganyantha Posts: 6 Member
    I agree with the pool idea. I have a bad back and I do aquafit classes at the YMCA. There is virtually no stress on my back or joints, but I get a great workout and burn about 1000 cal in an hour!
  • allen_pauley
    allen_pauley Posts: 16 Member
    I have had both knees scoped and swimming, the elliptical and the bike work best for me. With both the bike and the elliptical I do have to watch the resistance but I still get a good workout.
  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    Bellodesiderare wrote: »
    Do you have access to an Arc Trainer or Elliptical? Those are both joint friendly pieces of cardio equipment. You may also want to try Zumba. Good luck :)

    Thanks! And as far as zumba, I loved it but had to just walk in place for or do another move for certain moves because I had the same problem, it would kill my knee.
  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    dbanazek wrote: »
    I took out both knees ACLs in separate skiing events in my 20's. Squats were the best, stretching the knee as shown by rehab PT guys, and lots of biking. I was skiing with a brace in a year, now 20 years later I still run and ski moguls. Squats, squats, squats they build the muscles that your body will learn to use protect the ACL.

    Awesome! Thank you so much! I will start with squats & work on doing things to strengthen my knee.
  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    Tamois wrote: »
    I'm having treatment for a knee problem, osteoarthritis and torn cartilidge and I see a physio. He showed me to do squats with your back against a wall so you slide up a down it. Don't push it so it hurts but do it slowly so it builds the muscle strength. Seated leg raises are good too. These will be good for toning but for cardio the pool is definitely the best and at a close second is cycling. I use a stationary bike with no resistance. Hope your injury doesn't give you too much pain and your knee improves.

    Thank you! You also!
  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    Thanks everyone! I will be trying these & try to bulid the strength in my knee! Thanks again for all of the suggestions :smile:
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,282 Member
    Pool running. Try it. You'll want to come back and hunt us down and kill us... It rocks. When you get good at it (it's different than regular running-google it) try it with cuffs. Brutal. Just brutal. But oh so good for a workout... ;)
  • softblondechick
    softblondechick Posts: 1,275 Member
    I have had two knee surgeries. I do yoga, pilates, kettlebell workouts, and spin twice a week. Yes, spin is a challenge. I don't do much resistance.
  • hayleygirl01
    hayleygirl01 Posts: 48 Member
    Have you heard of kangoos?? You can YouTube video them!! I have a pair, they are an awesome/fun way to work out!!
  • bmp1290
    bmp1290 Posts: 60 Member
    hayleygirl01 wrote: »
    Have you heard of kangoos?? You can YouTube video them!! I have a pair, they are an awesome/fun way to work out!!

    No, but I will look into it! Thanks!
  • AbeArceo
    AbeArceo Posts: 39 Member
    Bellodesiderare wrote: »
    Do you have access to an Arc Trainer or Elliptical? Those are both joint friendly pieces of cardio equipment. You may also want to try Zumba. Good luck :)

    ^^

    another vote for the Arc Trainer or Elliptical. Hope things are working out ok for ya so far :)

  • gothchiq
    gothchiq Posts: 4,590 Member
    My knees are a disaster with barely any cartilage left, have had surgery in both, have arthritis, and I do well on the elliptical and the stationary bike (discussed it with my doctor, also). Be slow and careful about increasing your resistance, and I would recommend no more than half an hour at a time on there. Then you can switch from the elliptical to a stationary bike and do another half hour, once again being cautious when you decide to increase the resistance. I am not sure about what an Arc trainer is like, never having tried it, but others seem to have had good results.
  • Headtothemountains
    Headtothemountains Posts: 36 Member
    I've had 5 knee surgeries and I've found cycling and spin classes to work for me. My knees hurt if I'm riding a touring bike long distance, but they hold up well for class. Also, I've really gotten into barre classes. No impact, just 40 minutes of different types of squats and leg exercises. They give me a great workout without putting any pressure on the ol knees.
  • lalepepper
    lalepepper Posts: 447 Member
    edited February 2015
    I too have bad knees and just started physical therapy. If you're not already doing it, it might be worth a try. There might be ways for you to build strength and reduce any pain.

    I generally cycle for exercise (riding position can make a difference depending on your needs), and have also had good luck with water-based exercises, using the elliptical, and yoga. Many of these have the option of adding resistace, but be aware and gentle with yourself. I'm limited with stair climbing, jogging/running, and lifting at this time, due to instability and pain. Finding an activity that I enjoy has made such a difference in this process for me - it feels so good to feel strong, especially if you've got joints that give you grief.
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