Whats is the best cardio training for bad knees?

Question

I used to play football and injured my knee pretty badly. As a result i got my football scholarships snatched up from me and went through a long period of depression. I gained a lot of weight and i'm really trying to get back in shape. What are some of the best cardio exercises..that will make the most impact on weight loss and are easy on the knees. This killed me because my knee injur was so severe doctors said if i took the wrong hit my career is completely over. I was a fullback too...so...i was always taking hits.
so much for my USC, UCLA, ASU, OHIO STATE scholarships

Answer 1

That really sucks, I am sorry to hear about your misfortune!

However I have bad knees and I find elliptical trainers work quite well, you get the same cardio as you would from running but less jarring and pressure on your knees. Bikes also work well.

However if your injury is to severe to even handle that, then maybe you should consider aquasise. The movement in the water gives your body a very effective workout from resistance, but it takes out the complications with joint pressure and tension.

Best of luck, and don't worry even without a football scholarship, you can make a great career for yourself.

Answer 2

skip the cardio for now and try some water workouts...i have a bad knee and have been doing water aerobics for a year now and the results are great,just walking in the water is good,swimming also...water is great for rehab like this...a physical theapist should also be able to set up a plan for you

Answer 3

My gym has a machine that utilizes your hands ( not sure what its called). It has a seat like a stationary bike, but instead of the pedals at your feet there are handles about chest high. I am not sure if you want to go that drastic, but it is an alternative. The swimming and elliptical sugestions are good. You could also do a treadmill at a walking pace with slight incline. That should keep impact low.

Answer 4

You need to concentrate on low impact aerobics. This is what one site (for diabetics) says about it:

Low-impact aerobics are those movements involving large muscle groups used in continuous rhythmic activity in which at least one foot contacts the floor at all times. It has evolved to decrease the lower leg overuse injuries associated with high-impact classes. This type of exercise is ideal for special populations such as seniors, pregnant women and overweight people. It is an excellent way to begin an exercise program for those who have not exercised for some time and who want to ease into a program. The guidelines for these programs include arm and leg movements which are controlled, as problems with the knee may occur due to repetitive use of a flexed knee. With low-impact, more fit people may have difficulty achieving adequate intensity, therefore they are told to use larger movements. Using large arm movements in the upper body will also increase the intensity of the movements. What does this mean for you? It means that when you begin a walking program, you may walk at a slow rate and keep your hands in your pockets and still be able to get your heart rate up, however, as you become fit, you may have to increase your step length and rate and move your arms as you walk to get to the same level. In fact, at that level you may want to graduate to a low-impact step class or dance class, but of that later.
Each exercise session should start with a warm-up and gentle stretching. It should end with a cool-down. Hardwood or flooring with some cushioning is best for all aerobic activities. A floor that is too soft may cause ankle sprains. Never dance or exercise on a dirty or sticky floor for obvious reasons.

Aerobic activity is an important adoption to low and moderate-intensity exercise. Some examples of these activities are:


Walking
Bicycling
Swimming
Dancing
Racket sports like tennis
Rowing
Cross country skiing
Using aerobic equipment like a treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical machine, etc.
Water aerobics and walking
Ice skating
Belly dancing
Fit ball class
Non-aerobic classes include: These are important to make your body shapelier and to help you loose inches.

Yoga
Pilates
Circuit classes
Body sculpting classes
Balance classes
.
Remember that you are heading toward a heart rate that is 50-75% of the average maximum rate.

Age Heart Rate
20-30 98-146 beats per minute
31-40 93-138 beats per minute
41-50 88-131 beats per minute
51-60 83-123 beats per minute
61+ 78-116 beats per minute
If you have osteoporosis, avoid activities such as bowling or golf which cause a twisting of the body. Good exercises for those with this condition should try


Step aerobics
Water aerobics
Walking
Tai Chi and low impact martial arts
Dancing
Hiking
Swimming

Answer 5

I'm so sorry..its good to hear you are ready to rehabilitate and hopefully coming out of the depression and weight gain. Try deep water running...paying close attention to your form and not flailing or kicking as you go,but actual extension and range of motion you'd use if land running.

Answer 6

Try swimming or swimming aerobics. Good Luck

Answer 7

I've always heard water aerobics....supposed to be really good for exercise when you can't do high impact. Good luck.

Answer 8

swimming or biking

Answer 9

wow thats sad....... build a bridge and get over it. become a real-estate agent :-)