altetnatives to running

[Anonymous]

I love to run, but lately my knees have been hurting. Problem is I haven't found an alternative cardio workout that gives me the same burn. Anyone have suggestions for cardio that is good for you as running but easier on the knees.

[Anonymous]

Pool running? Or swimming?

[Anonymous]

Erg rower

[Anonymous]

I second the erg rower

[Anonymous]

Definitely the erg. Or swimming.

[Anonymous]

My knees hurt running on pavement but I do OK on fields (so, soccer or ultimate frisbee, where you get to run a lot).

[Anonymous]

Rower here - ergs are great, but they can put strain on the knees in a different way. So try it, OP, but don't go whole hog the first time thinking there is no impact on your knees - it just isn't the pounding kind. I wish I could run (but my knees are shot) because I want to be outside when I exercise. I can't find a place close enough to row frequently, and biking in the city scares me. I'm looking for the magic bullet, too!

[Anonymous]

Stairclimber if you have access to one. They kick your ass like running but don't hurt in the same way. It's what I use on my non-running days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rower here - ergs are great, but they can put strain on the knees in a different way. So try it, OP, but don't go whole hog the first time thinking there is no impact on your knees - it just isn't the pounding kind. I wish I could run (but my knees are shot) because I want to be outside when I exercise. I can't find a place close enough to row frequently, and biking in the city scares me. I'm looking for the magic bullet, too!

Good advice here, OP. If you live near a rowing club, try rowing lessons so you learn the proper form. You can mess yourself up on an erg too if you don't know how to do it correctly. Rowing is a great full-body low-impact exercise and you don't twist your knees. (I gave up the "twisty" sports long ago after blowing out my knee.) I'll put in a plug for the novice lessons at Capital Rowing Club on the Anacostia. The novice coach, Bob Brady, is really good.

http://www.capitalrowing.org/crc/index.php/learntorow/novicesweep

I wish I could run and play the twisty sports again - that would be my first choice - but I've really come to love rowing. Try it, OP!

[Anonymous]

spinning.

[Anonymous]

I like "hiking" on the treadmill. Speed 3-4 MPH, and incline until I get to my target heart rate -- 12 degrees or so.

[Anonymous]

Spin class kicks my but, and is better on the knees.

[Anonymous]

Lots of really intense 20 minute workouts out there. Google them and I'm sure you'll find one that fits your fitness level

[Anonymous]

erg. It's also a great whole body workout.

[Anonymous]

Never heard of pool running. How does that work?