"Bad knees" - what to do for exercise?

[Anonymous]

Anyone out there have painful knees? I've been to the ortho who prescribed PT, which I dutiful did for a while. Didn't help. I feel stuck in terms of exercise- I don't belong to a gym because I honestly don't have the time to go. I've generally been most successful doing short, 30 min workouts at my house, or walking. But now my knees are painful and creaky enough that I feel I can't even do those shorter workouts. (And getting to a pool seems like a non starter.)

Anyone have any good ideas for exercise?

[Anonymous]

Stationary bike

[Anonymous]

I would say the pool, but you aren't interested in that suggestion.

What about biking? Is that something you are willing to do?

Can you air box for cardio? This is what I did while recovering from foot surgery before I could start walking/elliptical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stationary bike

+1000
I never would have guessed it, but even 15 minutes a day on an exerbike has made a huge difference for my knees that walking didn't do. I have a recumbent style bike that gets used periodically as I fall in and out of routines. My knees let me know when I haven't done it for a while. I recommend getting a used one for your home if you don't want to visit a gym regularly.

[Anonymous]

Elliptical works well for me

[Anonymous]

Swim!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Swim!

Oops! Sorry! Then elliptical!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Swim!

Oops! Sorry! Then elliptical!

Thanks! Yes, the elliptical sounds like a good option.

[Anonymous]

I've spent a lot of time building up the muscles surrounding my knees (think lots of squats and lunges), which has helped me tremendously. I also do the elliptical. I know you said you don't want to go to a pool, why? Far and away, it's the best exercise. I took a class years ago in Alexandria at Cinnquipain (I know that spelling is off!) to learn how to swim laps. Best thing I ever did!

[Anonymous]

For me making sure I get enough calcium and vitamin D has helped my knees a lot.

[Anonymous]

How about just go for a walk? Don't forget collagen supplements can help too.

[Anonymous]

Yoga?

[Anonymous]

Try a different PT and be sure to do the exercises at home.

I have a torn meniscus. Ortho says bike, walk or swim. Maybe elliptical if it doesn't hurt. Gently yoga, weights (be careful about doing leg exercises, though. No squats).

[Anonymous]

Yoga

[Anonymous]

Pilates. Check out an "authentic Pilates" style studio to get started. Or has been the best thing I have done for my chronic health issues, including joint problems. It is core work that focuses on "lengthening and strengthening" as you get stronger your spine becomes more supported (some people even get a tiny bit taller) all this leads to less pressure on your joints. There is also leg work that helps build muscle for support around the knees. The mat classes are done primarily from a prone (lying down) position, so there isn't pressure on your knee to get started. I can recommend the studios, if you tell me where you are located. Good luck!