Yoga

my aunt was telling me about some "chair yoga" thing she heard about that was started through hospital physio therapy programs specifically designed for people with limitations that would prevent them from being able to do traditional poses....you might look into that. As for aiding weight loss....your burn is based on intensity and how much you weigh in the first place....so it's not exactly a time efficient way to burn calories since it will take longer to achieve the same burn as you would get with a higher intensity exercise. That said, it's good for more than weight loss. It's also good for balance, core strength etc.

Pilates is also excellent for the knees. I don't know that it aid weight loss, but you are using you muscles and working them.

I DO know that it aids in size loss

By doing yoga, I lost 43 lbs. gained muscles I thought I never had, relieved back pain and have a healthy perspective

I got certified to teach yoga last year (then had surgery that meant I couldn't practice for several months). Depending on the kind of yoga you do, it can absolutely get your heart rate up enough to burn some serious calories, and is useful for gaining flexibility and building stabilizer muscles that can have a big impact on weight training capacity as well. I have a sensitive right knee, and yoga not only strengthened all the muscles around the joint, which eliminated pain, it got me to change some dysfunctional movement habits I had that were also hurting my knee (hyperextension). Pretty much every yoga pose can and should be modified to take into account your injuries and physical limitations. I'd recommend a beginners class at a studio with a good teacher who will help you build good form and capacity.

Yoga has helped my knees. But the folks ahead who say to find a good teacher who is knowledgeable are right - that is critical. i'd definitely visit a few studios, ask around to friends, and do your research. Usually if you express your concerns to a studio, and call a few you can suss out the most knowledgeable teachers that are suitable to your needs. Good luck. I love yoga. And if you look at yoga teachers, or students at any of the top yoga studios...they usually look pretty dang fit.

HardyGirl4Ever wrote: »

Yoga is fabulous is so many different ways. People say that you won't lose weight or build muscle with it, but it's a myth. I have been doing it just fine. They say that if you have bad knees, to use a folded towel or blanket for under your knees, and/or hips depending on the pose that could cause strain to your knees.

Totally agree! I'm doing yoga for 18months now when I started my weight was 321lbs. I lost 106lbs and I think yoga was a huge part of my success

There are different types of yoga- look for a gentle or restorative yoga. Talk to the teacher first. Enjoy.