Frustrated! Finding a workout for you.

Get on a bike and start cranking...flying down the road at 18-20 MPH is pretty fun...

Inline speedskating is my drug, I mean exercise, of choice.

I'm a runner for 40 years. Two years ago, at 62, I developed painful plantar fasciitis, bunions, and my arches are shot. It seemed to happen overnight. I floundered around for awhile, desperate for something. I ended up getting a stationary bike. It gives me a good cardio workout. It doesn't replace running, but it's pretty good. I also just put together my new water rower and am going to add in rowing starting today. There is life after running. But it might not be quite the same.

Man, it sucks when something gets in the way of what you like to do. So sorry to hear!

It's nice to swim, ride, AND run. When one thing hurts, do the others. When I was in a knee brace, I swam, lifted, and kayaked. I better now, and also SUP, trail ride, hike (poles help) and rollerblade. I love awimming. If you hate pools, you might try "open water" swimming (typically done in a pond).

As my 81 year old mother says: figure out what you CAN do. She's very active.

middlehaitch wrote: »

Rowing. On the water and using the machine at the gym.

I would imagine the water rowing would give you a similar feeling to running. Open air, wind in your hair, physical exertion- freedom.

@AnnPT77 would you care to add your joy of rowing?

Cheers, h.

Oh lots of love of cycling around here too. That may work.

Rowing: Endorsed!

On water is way more fun than machine, but it's really necessary to take a class or lessons (this is for those long skinny boats like in the Olympics: It's fairly technical). It can be anything from an easy paddle to a full-out heart-pounding anaerobic threshold to anaerobic workout (after you get enough technique going to push it that hard).

Rowing machines are an excellent workout, too, and many people find them enjoyable. Us boat-rowers tend to find them a poor second to the water, but many people machine row as their regular sport. There are even competitions, both virtual and in-person.

How do-able rowing would be for you will depend on the nature of your knee problem. Either type of rowing uses your knees extensively (sliding seat; most of the power comes from legs). However, it's all straight-line hinge-type knee motion, and there isn't much impact (just strong pressure). I have a torn meniscus and arthritis, and rowing is still OK. The motions are quite different, but I find rowing and cycling to create somewhat similar types of knee stress, for me.

As far as wind in your hair & such, rowing is faster than walking/running, but slower than biking. And on water, you get to go backwards.

dominette3168 wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

Rowing: Endorsed!

On water is way more fun than machine, but it's really necessary to take a class or lessons (this is for those long skinny boats like in the Olympics: It's fairly technical). It can be anything from an easy paddle to a full-out heart-pounding anaerobic threshold to anaerobic workout (after you get enough technique going to push it that hard).

Rowing machines are an excellent workout, too, and many people find them enjoyable. Us boat-rowers tend to find them a poor second to the water, but many people machine row as their regular sport. There are even competitions, both virtual and in-person.

How do-able rowing would be for you will depend on the nature of your knee problem. Either type of rowing uses your knees extensively (sliding seat; most of the power comes from legs). However, it's all straight-line hinge-type knee motion, and there isn't much impact (just strong pressure). I have a torn meniscus and arthritis, and rowing is still OK. The motions are quite different, but I find rowing and cycling to create somewhat similar types of knee stress, for me.

As far as wind in your hair & such, rowing is faster than walking/running, but slower than biking. And on water, you get to go backwards.

Unfortunately, outdoor rowing isn't an option for me as the Rio Grande is the largest body of water to me for miles, but I think I can a rowing machine. My knees only flare up on me when it's impact...I can do squats for days without them bothering me.

Indoor rowing it is, then! If you can do squats, you should be fine.

Technique is still important, and a complicating factor is that even many trainers teach it incorrectly. Concept 2 has good information if good instruction is lacking locally (and it largely works even if you're using a different manufacturer's machine. Starting point: concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training, and definitely watch the technique videos.

Getting the technique correct will help you get the best possible workout.

IF you do end up using a Concept 2 machine, there's lots of other fun stuff on their site: Competitions, challenges, logbook, WODs, etc.

While rowing on water may not be possible on the reg, there are ways to try it out, for fun/inspiration. One option is a rowing camp, like Craftsbury Outdoor Center (craftsbury.com/sculling/sculling-camps/sculling-home/) in Vermont. They accept beginners, it's in a beautiful area (options for a non-rowing spouse to do outdoor things), and the on-site home-made food is amazing. It's not cheap, but cheaper than many would guess - comparable to many other sorts of vacations.