We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Alternatives to running?

Frozenmango
Frozenmango Posts: 207 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I was just looking for some recommendations of good cardio exercises outside of running? Running simply kills my knees and hips and I find myself clockwatching way too much while I'm doing it, so I'm hoping to find something else as good that will burn good calories?

Thanks in advance! :happy:

Replies

  • seebeachrun
    seebeachrun Posts: 221 Member
    Biking and swimming. My knee can't take it either after my accident. I shattered my patella in 2006 and it's never been the same.
  • leslielightfoot
    leslielightfoot Posts: 34 Member
    Zumba. Awesome cardio and I find it `Fun`. too.

    Leslie :)
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    I'm the same way. My knees hurt if I run for more than a few minutes, and also I find running to be spectacularly boring. I wish I could be a marathon runner but it ain't happening :)

    I get a phenomenal workout from kickboxing/boxing or muay thai. If you have a place where you can swim, that is an amazing cardio workout!! (shh don't tell anyone: Jogging is actually pretty inefficient as a cardio workout anyway, as a measure of time and energy expended :))
  • d2footballJRC
    d2footballJRC Posts: 2,684 Member
    Hi all,

    I was just looking for some recommendations of good cardio exercises outside of running? Running simply kills my knees and hips and I find myself clockwatching way too much while I'm doing it, so I'm hoping to find something else as good that will burn good calories?

    Thanks in advance! :happy:

    Elliptical, arch trainer, swimming, biking, crossfit, HIT aerobics, and more.
  • YvetteRoy
    YvetteRoy Posts: 13
    You could try an elliptcal machine. It's less impact on your ankles and knees but still a very effective cardio workout.
  • scoyne999
    scoyne999 Posts: 59 Member
    The Gauntlet! It's the large stairmaster that is actual stairs. Killer workout!
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Skating, rollerblading, power walking, jumping rope, swimming, cycling. Find your athletic muse and enjoy.
  • HappyJamese17
    HappyJamese17 Posts: 9
    A machine call SmartStride. It mimics the stride as you were running without the impact. I love this machine!
  • lambertj
    lambertj Posts: 675 Member
    I actually tend to burn more calories on the stairmaster than the treadmill, and it doesn't impact your knee although it is bending and unbending
  • SUPERhecticMOM
    SUPERhecticMOM Posts: 61 Member
    I just started hitting the heavy bag in the last couple of weeks and was shocked at how much cardio vs. strength training it offers...not to mention stress relief :) Another great cardio option is rowing. It gets your heart rate up and works everything in your body with minimal stress on knees/hips.
    I have issues with knees/back & hips for years and have found doing yoga 1-2 times a week has significantly strengthened me. It's a nice light/relaxing option to consider.
    Good Luck :happy:
  • BKR1977
    BKR1977 Posts: 43 Member
    Rowing.
    Not the crossfit get on for 2 minutes and get off either. Go at a medium setting and a controlled effort pacing yourself for a 5k meters. youtube some rowing videos so you don't hurt yourself.

    Biking, swimming, and ellipticals are fine options too.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories