How do I get a good cardio workout without using my legs?

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FeelinOld

New member
My knees have been bothering me a lot lately, more that usual, walking is even a bit painful and running is impossible. Biking will not work and even the stationary bike is causing me issues.


I know my problems they have been diagnosed and I was doing ok up until a few weeks ago when my job tried to cripple me.


I also know if I am 8 pounds lighter I have no pain but it is kind of a catch 22 right now, I need to do some cardio so I will lose weight and have no knee pain but I can’t do any cardio work because my knees hurt and I am gaining weight
 
You do not need cardio to lose weight. Just fix your eating.
 
HyungJun has a good point, if you focus on your nutrition for a bit, you may be able to get back down to the weight you need to be at for your knees to feel better. As for cardio without using the lower body, some facilities have "arm bikes' where you would pedal with your arms (http://www.ehow.com/video_2351672_use-bike-machine-cardio-exercise.html). Some are larger pieces of equipment with a seat attached, others sit on a table top. These are most often used by people in wheelchairs. Do you have access to a pool? Deep water walking or running are great cardiovascular workouts that take the force of impact off of the joints. (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1078)
 
Thanks


Going to a trainer tomorrow to see if I can get on top of this nkee stuff.


And yes, He is certified, has the educational background, has experience with knees has worked with pro athletes
 
That's great that you're going to see a trainer. Keep us posted on the progress!
 
Originally Posted by Vince Bowman


You can do a modified Jumping Jack. Get 4 pillows. lay them on the floor so that one pillow supports your feet (heels), butt, back and head. While lying down on the floor on top the pillows simulate the Jumping Jack motion. You can get a good cardio routine that is also aerobic (lasting at least 15 minutes). If you try this I hope it works for you
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Interesting!
 
Never made it to the trainer. To much of a fight with my wife to push it any further. She was completely against it.
 
I agree that you don't need cardio to lose weight, although it helps. Try swimming or the elliptical machine, there's almost zero impact on your knees with those modes of cardio.


Do your knees hurt while walking too? If not, walking is a great option.
 
I'm using a stationary bike at teh moment and doing ok


As for swimming; It did actually hurt my left knee at first. For a little while all I could do was swim in a circle. The last time I went swimming the left knee was fine and the right knee was not injured yet. I have not been back since I hurt the right knee.


Walking, I do what I can on the days it does not hurt. There have been days where walking was not fun at all.


I use to go on long walks but lately that is not possible, I try and get in a mile or two, outside of my walk to and from my car which is a 1/2 mile one way.
 
Hey FeelinOld,


That's good that the staionary bike is working for you... you just have to do whatever works!
 
Originally Posted by FeelinOld


Never made it to the trainer. To much of a fight with my wife to push it any further. She was completely against it.
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Why should someone be against it? It would be great for your health, wouldn't it? Money issue?
 
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