Can I run with bad knees

tabby25
tabby25 Posts: 30
edited September 20 in Fitness and Exercise
I was wanting to try running as a form of exercise but I have bad knees. So I was needing to know if it is possible to go running?

Replies

  • slimmingmom
    slimmingmom Posts: 297
    If you have bad knees your body shouldn't even allow you to run...

    and if you are able to run and really do have bad knees, I defiantly wouldn't!

    But no matter what, you should talk with you doctor about it!
    >
    >
    >
  • Nich0le
    Nich0le Posts: 2,906 Member
    the myth is that runners end up with bad knees when in actuality runners are less likely to suffer from the effects of arthritis and other aging problems than non runners. However, your profile shows that you have a significant amount of weight to drop and having had a similar starting number (107) I will say I had to walk and ride the stationary bike until I dropped about 25 lbs. Once I did that my knees felt better just from not having so much weight on them.

    Regardless I would take slimmings advice and get the ok for exercise from your doc. Your doctor can help guide you when it comes to choosing the best cardio for your particular issues. Running will come with time!

    :flowerforyou:
  • ivykivy
    ivykivy Posts: 2,970 Member
    I have one bad knee. I didn't start running until I lost about 55-60 pounds and I do intervals only on the treadmill. Strengthen your quad muscles should help and an article that I posted on here a couple months ago from the Real Age doctors said eating strawberries will help. It has helped me (the combination of weight loss lower body exercises-taebo and strength training- and strawberries)

    If you haven't been walking or anything. I wouldn't start out the gate running. Try speed walking and strengthening your leg (quad hamstring) and knee muscles. I found running (well jogging) and walking at an incline was better for my knees than just walking flat on the treadmill.

    Hope this helps. :flowerforyou:
  • tabby25
    tabby25 Posts: 30
    Thanks for the advice
  • twilight1542
    twilight1542 Posts: 403
    I too have bad knees :( I have always avoided the treadmill b/c of that (walking is boring & less effective than the treadmill & running seemed impossible). But after 3 mths of exercising 6-7 days a week for about an hour (ellipticals & stairmaster) & about 40lbs lost, I gave 1 min walk/run intervals a try. I started small w/15 mins of this & was reccently able to do 1hr of 1.5 min intervals. I have found that this is not something I can do regularly (eg 3 or more times per week) as I begin to notice tension in my knees & feet if I do, but I've been trying to do it once a week or so & haven't had any problems with that. So just listen to your body--if it doesn't like running/jogging don't do it. Also, start slow & work your way up based on how you feel during & after your workout :)
  • stephcheers
    stephcheers Posts: 105
    the myth is that runners end up with bad knees when in actuality runners are less likely to suffer from the effects of arthritis and other aging problems than non runners.

    Just wanted to say I am one of those that debunks that myth. I have bad knees and I am a runner. My knee problems were reduced significantly once I was running regularly.

    Best of luck to you on the journey to health.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories