I think it depends on what is wrong with your knees. Have you had xrays and seen a doctor? I needed an MRI to know that I have a torn meniscus. I get extreme pain if I do too many stairs, hills, bending, kneeling. I can't imagine rowing or cycling for me.

I walk up to 3 miles on mostly flat trails, ellyptical is great (not on an incline), swimming or any water aerobics/jogging and weight training that doesn't involve bending like squats unfortunately for now.

I also have custom made orthotics. You really should see a specialist if you haven't already, so you don't damage your knees more, or injure other body parts.

I felt a little old-ladyish, but when I was recovering from a kneww injury, aqua jogging for an hour was really good exercise. You desk like you're not doing any exercise while you're in the pool, but are exhausted and shaking after.

Cycling (but make sure the bike is set up right so you don't put pressure on your knees), swimming, rowing.

Swimming. I have had problematic knees since childhood and I do yoga year round and swimming in the summer.

Anonymous wrote:rowing machine is good too. get the ones with a water wheel.

I'm a rower and I agree that rowing is a fabulous way to get a full body workout without straining your knees. The only thing is be sure you learn the right form because you want to get the full benefit of the exercise.

Or...

Walking on the treadmill with an incline (do high/low intervals).

So long as you don't do this. In other words, walk normally like you would outside.

Yes, stationary bike.

Anonymous wrote:Have knee issues started a major diet about a week ago to lost ultimately 30 lbs. The thing is I have bad knees so need to be very careful...what is the best cardio for me that will not greatly impact my knees? Walking/treadmill?

Cardio, especially steady state cardio is not the best way to burn calories.

Lifting weights is.

Question OP here- is waling on a steep incline on a treadmill OK on knees though?
When you say cycling are you also referring to a stationary bike?

Walking on a treadmill on the steepest incline is SUCH a great workout. Also swimming is easy on the joints.

rowing machine is good too. get the ones with a water wheel.

Cycling is the least strain on your knees. Elliptical is similar to walking in terms of knee impact but will provide a better workout than walking.

Swimming, walking on an incline, elliptical

But you also need to do strength training. I would alternate strength and cardio every day.

Have knee issues started a major diet about a week ago to lost ultimately 30 lbs. The thing is I have bad knees so need to be very careful...what is the best cardio for me that will not greatly impact my knees? Walking/treadmill?