Cardio workout without use of knees/no access to gym?

[uriel]

I've decided to get into shape and have taken up running. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has hit my knees pretty hard and last time I was out, all was going well until when I landed one stride, something happened and I had a sharp pain in the knee. After that each step walking hurt and it's still not better a couple of days later. I've had this happen before (not when exercising, just regular use) and it'll go after a week or so.

Trouble is, I was really starting to enjoy my exercise routine, and was making really good progress (9 lbs lost in the first week). I'm not a member of a gym and can't afford to change that at the minute. I have free weights and a rowing machine. I can use the free weights, but that's really not the kind of exercise I think I need. There is the rowing machine and I've yet to give it a shot, but I don't think it'll be good for my knee.

I'm struggling to think of someway to work out that will get me that heart racing, panting for breath exercise I get from running. Not really into swimming.

[swansea v6]

What kind of free weights and space do you have?? You could set up a circuit type exercise routine, working on exercises avoiding your knees??

[anonymous-user]

More sex?

[pacman1]

The rowing machine should be good, provided your knee will cope. Aim for a sub 10min for 2000m.
You should consider getting some Glucosamine Sulphate if it's just a recurring niggle.
You can usually get a years supply of high strength for less than 15 quid from Healthy Direct, but you need to take 'em for three months before you start to get the benefit. I used to hate off road running because it used to make my knees ache. Once I finally bothered to actually take the GS regularly I got on so well I ended up doing lots of off road, including the 20 odd mile Grizzly down at Seaton, which has a 2 mile stretch of shingle beach thrown in for good measure! Worked for me, anyway.
If it don't work then you're stuck with the 'more sex' route I'm afraid!

hth

eta: nice FHC by the way.

Edited by pacman1 on Monday 14th September 17:19

[ShadownINja]

You'll agree with me on this in a few months time if you disagree right now but the only thing you can do is rest. If you disagree, your knee won't get better and you'll still feel it in March.

Anyway, cycling or those elliptical machines are low impact so should be better for you, although they do transfer force through the knees still so, as I say, you need to rest. Wait a month for the pain to subside. If you don't you'll just keep putting back the healing. (I speak from experience having had injuries that keep being set back by me not waiting until things are 100%.)

ETA: how about a punch bag in the garage? Boxing etc is good cardio work.

Edited by ShadownINja on Monday 14th September 17:24

[Animal]

ShadownINja said:

ETA: how about a punch bag in the garage? Boxing etc is good cardio work.

That was my first thought too! If you haven't the space for a bag, try shadow boxing?

[ShadownINja]

OI! I ain't dun nuffink. Why you wanna beat me??