what's a way to build cardio stamina without machines or running?

Question

i can't afford a gym right now and i have really bad knees so my doctor said i can't run even though i really want to. i have about 4 months to see some huge improvement because i'm trying out for a sport in college and you have to be really fit.

Answer 1

i was going to say swimming but you have lots of that already, if you have no access to a pool, then a $20 to $50 in a few videos and a mat for yoga will do wonders. Some of it stress relief and flexiblity, some of it is aerobic and will really get your heart rate up while toning, strenghting and stretching yoru entire body, especially your core. The core muscles are esential for any sport. Plus any good yoga program will have variations for different fitness levels.
Also I had great success with the Beach Body program Power 90. You can start at your comfort level and will progress rapidly, plus there is additional support availble. Just press play!

Answer 2

Swimming, rowing machine, walking in water will help strengthen your knees.

Saying "I've got bad knees" means very little. If you could say specifically what is wrong with your knees that would help. There are so many things that can go wrong.

If you have no real physiological changes in your knees, eg arthritis, tears or worn meniscii, tendon damage, then you may even find you become capable of much more than you think as you exercise more and lose weight.

If the reason you didnt mention any specific problem is that you just don't know what is wrong, then ask a doctor or even physiotherapist what might be wrong.

To strengthen knees you can do assisted squats, sliding down a wall or using an exercise/fitness ball to make it easier and more controlled, with less pressure on the knees.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I don't have much money either, but I found a tread mill on Amazon.com for $120. that gives me a real work out, I mean real,,this machine has no motor so you have to make it move on your own and believe me 15 to 20 minutes and your heart rate is really pumping and your sweating, believe me, if somehow you can scrape up the money you'll be really happy with this, I don't know why anyone would want to spend a bunch of money for those machines with a motor and a bunch of whistles and bells, I have had this machine now for about three months and I've lost weight, my stomach is flatter and I feel much better, or by the way it is the edge 500, go look and also look at the reviews, get it , you ll Be Glad you did..

Answer 4

I don't know why anyone would want to spend a bunch of money for those machines with a motor and a bunch of whistles and bells, I have had this machine now for about three months and I've lost weight, my stomach is flatter and I feel much better, or by the way it is the edge 500, go look and also look at the reviews, get it , you ll Be Glad you did..

Answer 5

Please do not run if it will hurt your knees. I'm assuming any activity that involves your knees, is out, then?

In that case, I recommend aqua jogging. This is a form of exercise that you do in a pool. You float vertically by wearing a floating belt, so that your head and upper torso are out of the water. My mother has been doing this to work out since she had her knees replaced last year and she is still doing it because she now has a foot problem that doesn't allow her to put any weight on her right foot. It is very gentle on the knees and feet, and my mom often remarks on how quickly her heart rate gets up when doing it. If you have access to a pool facility at all, get a float belt and do aqua jogging.

Also, there is a machine called UBE on which you do cardio exercise by pushing pedals with your hands. Think of it as a stationary bicycle that you work with your hands instead of your feet. This would not involve working your knees at all. I assume you don't have one of these at home, but perhaps you have an inventive relative who would be willing to set up an old bicycle for you to work with your hands?

If you can use your knees but just not run, walking is very, very good. And you can also do things like step aerobics or those weightlifting programs where you lift weights to music. These get your heart rate up as well.

Seriously, though, if I were you, I'd reconsider wanting to play sports in college if you are experiencing problems with your knees. They could only get worse.

Answer 6

Has your doctor told you about Z-Coil shoes? They were made by a guy who has been running for years and was having knee problems. I used them to start walking a lot - I always hated running. But they felt so good I started running. They take virtually all the impact out of it. Take a look at them at zcoil.com

If you can't run, I'd get the shoes and walk, walk, walk. I saw a lot of cardio improvement and muscle building walking for hours around here where we have a lot of hills. And it only took a few months for noticeable improvement.

Answer 7

Swimming is a good one. I have arthritis in just about every weight bearing joint and I too cannot run but swimming excersises the joints and of course the heart and lungs, it is fun - especially if you do it with some one or have some aim.

Try it and see.

I do not know where you come from but in the UK many doctors now offer swimming as a form of therapy and can get you in for free on prescription.

Happy Christmas and here's hoping for a Fit 2007

Answer 8

You can buy a pedometer for less than $10.00, it measures how many steps you take each day. You want to take at least 5,000 a day. You want to walk as much as possible. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, as a matter of fact during breaks at work, or at home walk up and down the stairs for about 10-20 minutes. Park further away from your destination and walk.
I also have a bad knee, but the more you walk the easier it gets. Especially in the beginning if you rub in some Aspercreame or Bengay, or Absorbine Jr. it helps. Good luck.

Answer 9

I reccomend you buy yourself a bullworker. It's quite cheap and it can give you a good cardio workout if you use it in what they call an isotonic manner. That is with quick repetitive pushes and pulls. It is a fantastic workout tool that can also be used to build muscle all over your body without straining any of your joints.

Answer 10

If you can't run, I'd get the shoes and walk, walk, walk. I saw a lot of cardio improvement and muscle building walking for hours around here where we have a lot of hills. And it only took a few months for noticeable improvement.