bad knees

obstacleone
obstacleone Posts: 228
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone,

My mom just joined up with MFP and her issue is she has very bad knees from being overweight for such a long time.
Is there any exercises you could recommend that are easy on the knees? I'm not too sure how often she has access to pools for water exercises.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Replies

  • nessajk
    nessajk Posts: 32
    Looking for cardio? Maybe biking? I'm not certain, but since the knee is not supporting all of her weight, that maybe an option. And you could get a machine or even one of those indoor adapters for a regular bike. For toning, maybe some pilates while going easy on any lunging.

    Yay for you helping her out!
  • melusinagr
    melusinagr Posts: 205 Member
    Boxing is good for people with leg injuries.
  • nikki91950
    nikki91950 Posts: 647
    ellipticals are pretty easy on the knees!
  • DawnOBRN
    DawnOBRN Posts: 290 Member
    I have horrible knees as well!! The ellipitical and bike are good options since there is no impact. I also walk on a tredmill at the gym that states it has "spring action"?? I do not walk faster than 3.8mph since the faster I go the harder the impact feels, so I will increase intensity with incline.
    Hope this helps!
  • grassette
    grassette Posts: 976 Member
    Good for the knees is a stationary bicycle. They are not expensive. Also acquafitness because the water really cushions the joints. Finally buy her a pair of walking sticks (they look a bit like cross country ski poles). The poles have the advantage of making walking a total body exercise, plus they allow you to take the weight off your legs and shift them to the sticks. Then she needs a routine where she can walk regularly, and build up both her strength and stamina.
  • CoachNYLA
    CoachNYLA Posts: 129
    I am a cert. fitness trainer and I specialize in fitness therapy for those with orthopedic issues. (www.sarasotafitnesstrainer.org)

    The best answer for your Mom if it is possible is to get her out of gravity until she can get through to some weight loss to relieve the weight on her knees. If she is able and has access to a pool, just water walking alone can help big time. I have a client who is bone on bone in the knees and it has allowed her to get stronger without the pain.

    Also, if the pool is not an option, again - for now, get her out of gravity by suggesting that she do her exercises on machines that have her sitting. I have a whole routine for my client I mentioned, that keeps her healthy and pain free.

    Another alternative is if she does not belong to a gym is to see about getting a decent recumbant bike. This is where she can sit while she trains. Again, it takes her out of gravity and keeps her legs and knees moving without the weight load, allowing her to get a cardio workout in at the same time.

    I could go on and on but please don't hesitate to contact me directly. I would be more than happy to give you some feedback to help her. I love the opportunity to give back so again, don't hesitate.

    Best,
    Nyla
  • CoachNYLA
    CoachNYLA Posts: 129
    P.S.

    Foot gear...someone mentioned it. Very important. Seriously, that alone can help with the pain. It would be wise to put a few bucks into it because it can be costly....

    Find a foot/shoe (specifically a place for runners/walkers) - I have Fit2Run in my hometown, where they can at least test her for pressure points and give her a decent over the counter orthotic to place in the shoe she has (but best) is to buy a specific pair of shoes that will complement the orthotic.

    Most likely the shoes she has now are wearing conducive to her gait (how she walks/body attitude) including which side of her body she favors for support (like her stronger side) is how some clients refer to it.

    If you can get her out of the pattern in her gait and the right support on her feet, that will help her knees 10 fold.

    Remember, once your feet hit the ground - everything responds from there up. Called the kenetic chain....

    Hope that helps.
  • DawnOBRN
    DawnOBRN Posts: 290 Member
    I second what Nyla said about proper shoes!! I went to one of those specialty shoe places in the mall and they suggested shoe from Brooks--- what a difference!!! The running shoe is over $100 but well worth the money!!
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