STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

RyanJ · Coach

How much does walking do?

bex · Chanel

since you can't put much on your knee. why not take this opportunity to try out other exercises like yoga (you don't have to do the poses that put too much stress on your knee) or pilates. also, what about biking (as in stationary bikes?) my dad has no cartiliage in his right knee and his doctors have him do the bikes. and then you could also incorporate walking into your routine as well.

hth! and good luck with your surgery!

sophie · Kenneth Cole

I walk up hill about 6-7 miles/week. I don't eat like total crap but half way there. Walking up hill really does it for me in terms of staying in shape. I don't know if your knee would alow for this but if it does I say walk up hill for 10 miles/week, cut down a little on the junk food, and drink lots of water (if you don't already). I think this routine should help you maintain your shape. Hope this helps and you feel better.

ico · Dooney & Bourke

We have this joke with my sister: whenever one of us says some kind of workout doesn't do much, the other replies: "it does more than sitting on the couch eating potato chips!"

I really think running is the most time-efficient exercise, but since you cannot run, try what the other girls suggested: pilates, yoga, or biking. Or go ahead and walk, if you enjoy it. You can even go hiking on the week-ends, and trust me: that IS a workout!
One note about biking: if you do MTB or road biking, use low gear, esp uphill: this way you don't stress the knee. Same thing, on a stationary bike, use low resistance. And go slow at the beginning, just to see how it feels.

Why not swim? That is really gentle on your joints, and you'll have chance to train more the upper body, good for a change.

I had to stop running about 1 year, and I know how disappointing it is. Biking has kept my weight in check, more or less

Hang in there: you'll be happy when you'll start running again!

RyanJ · Coach

Thanks girls.

Unfourtunatley I can't bike very much either. I can a little, but my doc doesn't recommened it. Walking was the only exercise he would allow. I have done yoga and pilates, but running is my thing and if I can't run then walking is the next best thing.

I will probably just have to cut back on the crap I eat. I guess no more 1 am taco bell runs

f413 · Kenneth Cole

http://www.shape.com/tools/calc/burned/

Here's a calculator

RyanJ · Coach

f413 wrote:

http://www.shape.com/tools/calc/burned/
Here's a calculator

Thanks! Why didn't I think of that?

I love the "standing quietly" option.

-- Edited by RyanJ at 18:28, 2005-06-06

Elle · Hermes

RyanJ - have you tried an elliptical machine? When I had knee surgery a couple years ago, it was the only thing I could do and it really helped me keep my muscle tone before the surgery and regain it afterward.

I also second the yoga/pilates suggestions. And adding some weights to your routine would be a good way to work out without impact as well.

kealoha · Kate Spade

Ryan, I agree w/the other ladies about Yoga. I've had 6 knee surgeries for my right ACL--3 scopes & 3 reconstructions--& this helps a great deal. You should try to incorporate it now so that you're prepared for post-surgery life.

Invest in a fitness ball as well. It'll help you strengthen your leg & back muscles. Your physical therapy sessions will most likely involve this as a method of rehab, so it's a thought.

Like someone mentioned, swimming is awesome. Post surgery, I took an aqua-aerobics class & really felt the burn in my muscles. The water took a LOT of pressure off my knee & the styrofoam barbells/dumbells is a killer way to tone up your back. Plus, most instructors will have you jog in the water, which is a great way to rehab your knee.

Good luck!

shopgirl82 · Chanel

this is textbook, but why can't you swim? swimming is a non weight bearing activity, and puts little strain on your joints. if you have access to a pool, i would try that. swimming is THE BEST workout. it builds lung capacity, doesn't strain your joints, and is a TOTAL body workout. can you tell that i'm a fan?!

sorry about the surgery. between the tonsils and the knee, you're having a rough summer. you better live it up (with all your servants). i suggest a bell.