Need workout moves that do not use the knee

need ideas for cardio workout moves (and anything else) that do not use the knees at all. Thanks in advance.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

I've been doing alot of tabata. I just choose excercises that don't involve much knee actions. This helps get my heart rate up and tone. I do things like pushups, sit ups, jumping jacks (for some reason they dont bother my knee- I just land pretty much on my toes but my heal).
I also incorportae alot of kettle bell workouts.
I also started taking TACTIX, which is a martial arts class. I've also done boxing. Both are really good ways of getting your cardio in without involving your knee. If you have access to a punching bag- just use that.

I also go on the elliptical. Sometimes though it bothers my knee (or my knee gives out)- that can be hit or miss.

If you know any personal trainers (or go to a gym with them) I would ask them. The trainers at my gym helped me come up with new excercises to use in place of running, squats, or anything with too much knee involvement.

I defintely would not reccomend the bike. At first I thought it might be good because its not alot of pressure on your knee, but my PT and doctor told me its the worst thing you can do.

It hasn't be the easiest thing in the world, and I'm starting to ease back into running. But I thought I would be so out of shape. Instead, I've been working new muscles and getting in BETTER shape than I was before! Its very possible to work out with knee issues..not only that, its possible to have an amazing workout.

If I think of anything else I will let you know!

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

Kickboxing moves just using the upper body not only gets the heart rate up, but will not aggravate your knee. Just do the arm portion.

Also power walking is great! You can do it on the treadmill and do a really fast walk and even use weights. The heart rate will get high and you should get a good workout.

I would suggest the elliptical and bike, but I'm guessing you want to workout at home.

Did you go to the doctor?

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

I have a recumbent bike - yes or no?

I didn't go to the doctor yet but enough of the denial... I will be making an appointment as soon as I can decide where to go. I went for a run outside yesterday (on the boardwalk) and NOT GOOD. I am pretty sure its my IT band. I made it 1.5 miles with no pain. Then it started. By 2 miles I couldn't even walk. Severe pain in my knee shooting up to my hip joint. Today still bad pain... can barely make it up/down stairs. Pain even while sitting down.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

Swimming is easy on the knees. The elliptical easier on the knees also.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

I'd hold off on doing anything with the bike until you meet with the doctor. In the meantime, how about mat pilates or yoga? I've turned to them in the past when I couldn't do any impact exercise.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

When I had to give up running due to knee pain (I have no cartilage left in my left knee) my PT and orthopedic surgeon recommended swimming and cycling. I can't run a mile without pain but I can cycle no problem. I think the exercise recommendations may be dependant on the specific type of injury b/c missfabulous posted her PT and doctor told her not to get on the bike. Maybe it is best to rest you knee until you see a doctor to prevent further damage. If you want a recommendation I have a few...I have had chronic knee problems for many years and had to swich doctors a couple of times b/c of insurance.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

Sorry to hear your knee did not get better!

I send everyone I know to Dr. Eric Price - he's with Orlin & Cohen and they have an office on 454 in Bohemia (way before the airport). He's in Bohemia on Mondays I believe. I know him through work but he's a great guy and my husband, dad and coworker have all had good experiences with him.

Good luck!

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

Once you know what it is, using a foam roller helps tremendously with IT pain. Of course, you need to pinpoint the issue, but for the annoying pains, it helps. Will hurt like heck when you roll over a tender spot, but I sware by my foam roller. I get hip / IT pain on and off.

I wish I knew of a Dr.....I use a chiropractor who does active release treatment which is amazing for sports injuries. However if it is something serious that he cannot treat, he would refer you to someone. He is in Massapequa.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee

do you have access to a rowing machine? That's great cardio, but you do have to use your legs, so I don't know if that's OK for knees.

Incline walking is also good cardio, but again, not sure how knees would do with that.

Hope you can figure out what it is and work it out.

Re: Need workout moves that do not use the knee