Best way to get cardio in at the gym without treadmill?

Posts: 22
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been going running for quite a while now and my ankle has been getting progressively worse. I have just joined a gym and wondered which machine except for the treadmill is good for getting cardio in? xx

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Replies

  • Posts: 1,336 Member
    elliptical, arch trainer, walking, jogging, stari stepper. Anything that moves your whole body. Swimming would be excellent for a bad ankle.
  • Posts: 4,698 Member
    The rowing machine, if it doesn't aggravate your ankle. You're best staying off weight bearing exercise until that's better.
  • Posts: 218 Member
    Rowing machine. I have appalling knees, shin splints and my chest tends to take on a life of its own when I run. I also find the cross trainer kills my knees whilst the bike it totally hit and miss.

    But the rowing machine, with proper technique, leaves you entirely destroyed afterwards, right down to your core. I love it! You'll find out where you're weakest too which is useful :)
  • Posts: 22
    Swimmings my favourite!
    I'll give the rowing machine and the arch trainer a go today i think thanks :)
    I was wondering if the bikes would be any good?
    x
  • Posts: 218 Member
    Best thing - try it and see. Start on a low level so there's not too much resistance and see how the ankle holds up. And if it hurts, stop.
  • Posts: 77 Member
    Spinning classes also. Vigerous stationery biking to great music. At least at our gym. We have a bunch of
    ladies who have been doing this for years. We sing out loud to the music. We are a crazy bunch.
  • also anything areobic... star jumps.... anything that keeps your heart rate up.. skipping etc
  • Posts: 22
    Ahh yes spinning! Was going to give that a go this week but was fully booked :( Gonna try and go next week! I'm a little scared thooo I've heard its really hard haha!
  • Posts: 537 Member
    Without a doubt the elliptical/cross-trainer is the only other cardio machine that burns cals like the treadmill does as it requires your whole body to push. Set the resistance up and youll find you will be able to go up the better you get at it.

    Also, because you are not jumping, the swingng motion protects your feet ankles and shins which is great fi you are prone to those injuries or are overweight.

    Sometimes as well if my knee is bad i go on the step climber for 20 mins and sweat buckets.
  • Posts: 1,195 Member
    Rowing machine, swimming and bike in that order.
  • Posts: 197 Member
    Kettlebell swings!
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