Cardio with Bad Knees

crystalclear1
crystalclear1 Posts: 3 Member
edited September 20 in Fitness and Exercise
Compared to people with major knee problems, I only have minor knee pain when doing things like squats and lunges. I really believe in the value of circuit training over any other form of cardio, but I am concerned that my knee pain will worsen. Does anyone have a workout DVD to recommend that is easy on the knees? I recently bought the Jillian Michaels 30-day shred and I love how challenging it is, but its not knee friendly at all. :cry:

Replies

  • crystalclear1
    crystalclear1 Posts: 3 Member
    I meant circuit training is best for weight loss, as I realize circuit training is both strength training and cardio. Ooops!
  • proctor0828
    proctor0828 Posts: 179
    I am having the same problem... I've been doing the 30 day shred as well and the last week or so I've almost been handicapped by the pain in my knees and ankles.
  • twilight1542
    twilight1542 Posts: 403
    Unfortunately cardio means whole body movement-knees included :( So if u know which exercises in the video cause you pain you could either skip them or just do less to find your tolerance level. I have the same problem, but also have a gym membership so I stick primarily to the ellipticals & stairclimber because they don't bother my knees. I have recently begun trying to do walk/run intervals on the treadmill, but when I push too hard I end up having to avoid the treadmill for awhile :(
  • havingitall
    havingitall Posts: 3,728 Member
    There are several different things that you can do for cardio that are easy on your knees. Swimming is an awesome cardio workout and it burns a lot of calories. I go lane swimming sometimes and it is a great work out.

    The elliptical machine or the recumbant bike are both great too
  • crystalclear1
    crystalclear1 Posts: 3 Member
    I have an elliptical at home. I just get really bored with it and don't feel like it gives as good a workout as circuit training. I also have a bike and ride outside from time to time. I don't have access to a pool, but I know that's a great workout! Thanks.

    I too have been completing the Jillian DVD and just stopping when it hurts my knees. I was thinking to get the full effect of the DVD though maybe I can do another form of leg strengthing exercise while they are doing the squats and lunges portion??? I will have to think about this... I have a stability ball and maybe that would work somehow.
  • akroach7
    akroach7 Posts: 6 Member
    Here's something that might help:
    1 tbs liquid pectin in a small amount of juice, 3 x's a day.
    This may sound strange, but I was introduced to this in May. I injured my knees tripping over a step in a dark theatre, landing on the concrete. Damaged my knees so bad I was in bed for a week and my left knee never recovered from pain and swelling even after 6 months. I couldn't go on my walks or excercise anymore, let alone go up and down stairs very well. I was getting ready to except the fact I'll need surgery, when I was told about this from an old farmer who uses it for his bursitis. The pain and swelling seemed to stop immediately after taking the pectin. I started walking again gradually.
    I'm on day 11 starting out with this program and now I'm walking 2.5 miles 2x's a day.
    My knees feel very strong now. I've stop taking the pectin and I've been waiting to see what happens.
    So far, so good.
    It's worth a try!
    P.S. I also forgot, I had slight hip pain that disappeared too!
  • SHBoss1673
    SHBoss1673 Posts: 7,161 Member
    Depends on what kind of knee injury, can you be more specific? Are we talking ligament damage? Or cartilage issues? Tendons? Is it medial, Anterior...etc.

    I know all kinds of cardio, but without knowing the kind of issue, I can't really help much.
  • KatieLynn82
    KatieLynn82 Posts: 9 Member
    If anyone is still watching this post, I have been wondering this too. I am looking for something with low impact on my knees because most things cause knee pain for me. I am only 26 but I have A LOT of weight to lose and I know that is what is causing the knee pain during work outs. I can ride my bike outside without pain but I live in Alaska and it is getting too cold for that now. I have been using the stationary bike but it gives me knee pain too. The doctor recommended water aerobics which I would love to do but I just don't have the money for that! Plus my hubby works nights and there is no one to watch the kids while I go. I would LOVE to find something that I can do without having knee pain. I work at a physical therapy clinic so I have access to our machines but we don't have an eliptical yet (we're working on getting one.) I used to do that and I don't remember having problems with my knees. Anyway, that is just my story, not sure about anyone else but if ya'll are still watching this thread I would love some feedback. Thanks!
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