Reformed Runner Seeking New Exercise
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Anonymous
| I'm a lifelong runner--20 miles/week. But I need a new form a exercise due to knee wear and tear. What's the best low impact cardio option? I'll try anything--biking, exercise classes, swimming . . . |
Anonymous
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The best low-impact workout with the highest return on aerobic and strength is swimming, hands down. If you get bored easily, it's obviously not a social event unless you join a Masters group.
For something with the option of being more social, I personally love to bike. Lots of great trails in this area. |
Anonymous
| Same thing happened to a recent former POTUS, who is an avid trail bike rider now... |
Anonymous
| former runner here. I do elliptical and Zumba |
Anonymous
| I agree swimming is the best in theory but it can be a pain to actually get to a nearby pool and do it. My advice is to do whatever works with your schedule, whether it's swimming or biking, or exercise classes. I took up martial arts and it's got a good cardio component but more importantly it's easy to get to and learning things keeps me coming back. |
Anonymous
| Power yoga. Awesome workout. |
Anonymous
Ditto. Check out Down Dog Yoga for an amazing workout. Perfect for runners (current or reformed). Studios in Georgetown, Bethesda and Herndon. |
Anonymous
| Yoga and martial arts. |
Anonymous
| Yoga and elliptical. Swimming's great, but my hair requires too much time if gets wet. |
Anonymous
| OP here: I'm intrigued by Power Yoga. Is it a cardio work out? Anyone know of any places in Arlington? I'm also curious about the person who recommended Zumba. I've heard it can be tough on the knees . . . no? |
Anonymous
Zumba poster here. I don't think Zumba is particularly hard on the knees. You can self-adjust any particular move to low impact, if necessary. I quit running because of some early knee arthritis, and I'm 22 weeks pregnant, and I haven't noticed any problems at all. I still do almost all of the moves that involve leaving the floor. I just make sure to land carefully and softly. It's a great workout, and the time flies by because it's so fun! It's a good complement to elliptical training (the other exercise that I do). Instead of the repetitive movements, all of your muscles are worked in a variety of ways. I was having some high blood sugars while pregnant (and only doing elliptical). After I started Zumba the problem disappeared. I think that having more muscles involved in my workout made a big difference in allowing my body to metabolize glucose more efficiently. |
Anonymous
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I have had two knee surgeries, so no running for me.
But I was in the best shape of my life when I alternated power yoga and spinning. I would do a serious ashtanga/power yoga class and yes, depending on the teacher and how you're doing it, it is both cardio and strength. Then I would do a one hour "super spin" 2 or 3 x a week. What I loved about spinning is that thanks to the instructor, class, and music, I pushed myself much harder than I would on myown on the ellipitcal (which is my fallback, 2 kids and less time, later). My only caveat wold be to be careful when starting yoga--if something hurts your knee, dont do it (there are a couple things I cannot do because they put pressure on the knee, I just substitute others, speak to the isntructor ahead of time and any sharp pain or pressure in the knee means stop!). Other piec eof advice--when you start spinning, you need bike shorts or a gel seat--otherwise you will be in pain. And if you decide you like it, it is worth investing in a part of clip on shoes--you get more control, power and speed that way. |
Anonymous
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I love Down Dog Yoga. Totally busted me out of a weight loss plateau. A great cardio, strength, and flexibility workout. I go to Georgetown and Bethesda. My favorite instructors ate Colin Brightfield and Preston Scott. I probably like Colin a bit more. He is a more philosophical and not quite as hard as Preston. Preston uses humor and stays on you more. His classes are so hard sometimes I am praying for death. But I feel great afterwards. I am going to Colin's class tonight in Bethesda. I'll be wearing a purple cami. If you see me, we should say hi.
To compliment this, I have a several DVDs that get results which I recommend: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism No More Trouble Zones 500 Calorie Workout Exercise TV's Slim Down Fast (on Amazon cheap) Last Chance Workout 10 Days To A Better Body 6 Week 6 Pack Bob Harper's Inside Out Method: Strength Training and Cardio Rev |
Anonymous
Thanks! I have been looking for DVD recs. (I'm not the OP.) |
Anonymous
| You are welcome. I forgot Biggest Loser's Cardio Max. It's fab. |