Alternatives to running?

J

jmv91

New member
I run roughly over three and one-half miles a day, and I try to do this every day. Unfortunately, I think it all has caught back up with me; you see, I think leg problems run in my family. My mother suffers from severe varicose veins, my father's legs are actually much too small for his body, and I think my brother has arthritis in his knees, and he's only 19. In fact, when I was younger, I was forced to quit running cross country due to the excruciating knee pain, I was actually unable to walk for a brief period of time, caused by training on the track.

I'm looking for an alternative to running; something that is easy on the legs but still gives me a great workout. Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
When I was younger, I developed problems in my knees from years of gymnastics. The Physical therapist had me doing straight leg lifts with ankle weights (10 lbs. each ankle): working all four sides of the leg (front, back, inner, outer). Something like that might be a way you can work your legs, without stressing your knees, but it will not have the same cardio result that running provides. Have you looked at those reclined exercise bikes? I have found those to be easy on the knees, but still provide the cardio.
 
Definitely swimming! It works all of your muscles and will get your heart pumping quick fast in a hurry. Hope you start feeling better.

-Sheryl
 
Go with biking, It will take near much of the stress of your knee. Be sure though the bike is fitted absolutely perfect. It might be wise to go to a professional bike shop and see if they can tune the bike to correctly fit you at all times. As an improperly tuned bike , in comparison to a finely tuned one, will actually increase knee stress. Still likely less then running but we are shooting for the optimal here.

BTW, I'm assuming by "leg problems" the actual cause of worry is the knee.

PS:
Rowing is also a good form of cardiovascular training.
 
Do you have access to an elliptical? It gets all the same results of running for me but no impact on the knees. Several years ago my left knee was knocked out (sideways) and it still is painful from time to time. The elliptical never seems to give it much trouble.

Also, I hear there are wonderful cross-action treadmills. I've only seen them but never tried one before. They look fun and it looks like it could be a good option for you.
 
Swimming or rowing. I used to run 3 miles a day and had to stop due to back pain. The two exercises that used the most muscles and burned a lot of calories were the above although cross country skiing is not bad. I did rowing and it is working out great.
 
I hate running, my knees start to hurt. The cross-country treadmill and biking are excellent alternatives.
 
I'd definitely take everoyne's advice and try swimming!

My younger brother used to be chubby and my mom got him into swimming, adn then competetive swimming and water polo. After a while, he lost all his weight and now his body is AMAZING. Especially if you're a guy, swimming and water polo will give you an amazing figure with broad shoulders.


ALSO! ROWING IS GREAT CARDIO! I did crew when I first got to college. We'd go onto the water at 5 in the morning everyday to practice rowing. It gives you a great whole body workout. Definitely try it! Plus, it's nice being so close to teh water. :)
 
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