Do you have to run to get fit?

12skipafew99100
12skipafew99100 Posts: 1,669 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
I want to get fit but have complete tears of the ACL's in both my knees. Running is not good for me. Can I get fit without running? I hear so much about running and working up to longer distances to be fit. Aerobics or anyhting with quick side to side motion or start stop motion is not an option. I can bike and walk. Is this enough to get truely fit?

Replies

  • JenniferAutumn
    JenniferAutumn Posts: 228 Member
    Biking, Walking and swimming are 3 of the best exercises out there!
  • JenniferAutumn
    JenniferAutumn Posts: 228 Member
    OOOOOOPS Must have submitted twice
  • RAFValentina
    RAFValentina Posts: 1,231 Member
    of course you can...hardcore cycling /x-trainer rowing...
  • biddysaurus
    biddysaurus Posts: 156 Member
    Bike! It's so much easier on the joints. You'll build awesome leg muscles. Also, (at least to me) biking feels like playing. I feel like a kid...free as can be flying down hills and such. :)
  • heatherdills
    heatherdills Posts: 53 Member
    It has worked for me! I have just started jogging (I hate to run, but am trying to get into it.) But I have lost 76lbs since May, so as long as you are moving, it counts!
  • biddysaurus
    biddysaurus Posts: 156 Member
    Also...swim. :) It's easy on the joints and a great cardio workout. :)
  • YMTaylor
    YMTaylor Posts: 230 Member
    You definitely don't have to run to get in shape. While it's true that running is a great cardio exercise and you can build endurance and stamina but the same can be said for other low-impact cardio. With knee issues the elliptical is great! Or if you're able you can start swimming. If neither of those work you can also go for walks, the longer the better and hills are awesome.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Yes, you can get fit without running or doing aerobics. Personally, the bike is my favorite piece of cardio equipment in the gym. You can also lift weights to strengthen those knees after they have healed from surgery or whatever treatment you are doing for them and that will help you with other things too. Lifting weights is my favorite way to get fit!!! Strengthens the muscles, helps increase bone density, and can help with rebuilding ligaments and tendons after injury if done properly.
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    cycling, walking, and swimming are an entirely acceptable replacement for running. Swimming is unequivocally better, in fact.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    No. The fittest I have ever been was when I was 17 and rowing 2 hours, 6 days a week. No running.
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    YES you can! And burning fat happens at a lower HR- I run to keep my heart strong not for weight loss.
  • G30Grrl
    G30Grrl Posts: 377 Member
    I don't run either, due to old injuries and a fear of re-activating them. I bike, which is great, but I've found that the elliptical machine burns far more calories in a shorter period of time, and does not bother my knees at all.
  • mgmlap
    mgmlap Posts: 1,377 Member
    I tried running..didnt care for it.. I now either do brisk walking, elliptical, or even the bike...and no you dont need to run..I have lost 40 pounds with really no running..
  • fit4mom
    fit4mom Posts: 1,352 Member
    Swimming is awesome! Also concentrating on building your muscles surrounding gives the problem area strength and doing slow resistance building moves helps.
    This is one I did. It's totally challenging and their might be allot you can do.
    http://www.hulu.com/watch/224178/get-fit-stay-fit-exhale-core-fusion-lean-and-toned
    This is another favorite. It's kickboxing but it's different videos so you might be able to do some.
    Hulu was integral in the beginning of my weight loss journey. LOVE THEM!
    I hope this helps.
  • robinogue
    robinogue Posts: 1,117 Member
    I'm just learning how to run longer periods of time but you don't have to do
    It to get fit. Walking everyday helps a lot.
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