Suggest a no-impact exercise that's actually fun.

[Anonymous]

Because of really bad foot arthritis, I pretty much can't dance anymore, and dance used to be the only exercise I really enjoyed.

I have an exercise bike, but some days it makes my knees or hips worse. I already do gyrotonic and a lot of PT and various mat-based things and don't need more of that. I'll swim when it gets warmer. I've done T'ai Chi but honestly became a little bored. I can only go on fairly short walks.

But I'd really like to find something that captures some of the experience of a dance class with no jumping, that's weight-bearing so I can keep my leg strength and balance skills up but requires little-to-no foot articulation. I'd be happy taking something on Zoom, where there are real people on the other end to interact with, vs. just following a video alone.

Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Belly dancing

[Anonymous]

Do you have access to a pool? Water aerobics, water zumba, etc.

[Anonymous]

Rower?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have access to a pool? Water aerobics, water zumba, etc.

I will have access to a pool when it gets warm enough out, so yes, but I'd also like to do something weight-bearing on land.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Belly dancing

Now THAT's a good idea. I wonder if anybody is teaching online? Could be anywhere. Or if there's a good local teacher, let me know!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rower?

I strongly suspect that will irritate the knees and especially hips in similar ways to the bike, but moreso. (I'm old. A lot hurts.)

[Anonymous]

What about Barre? Lots of low impact strength moves. I do the barre classes on peloton and they are leg and core intensive. It’s a good workout.

[Anonymous]

Stair master

[Anonymous]

Lifting weights or any form of strength training.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lifting weights or any form of strength training.

+1

I Love strength training. It’s especially important to stay strong as we age.

[Anonymous]

I do step classes online. It can be low impact - not sure if that is too much like dancing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Belly dancing

Now THAT's a good idea. I wonder if anybody is teaching online? Could be anywhere. Or if there's a good local teacher, let me know!

I don’t have recs but there are definitely classes online and in person in this area, I’ve had lots of friends do it.

[Anonymous]

Aerial yoga? That always looks so cool to me, I would like to try it.

[Anonymous]

Handstands/hand balancing? It’s basically body weight training with an artistic focus and no weight on your feet!