Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

Hey all, I've got a bum knee. I've been an avid spinner for years, but it has taken it's toll on my right knee. Simply walking has been uncomfortable lately....

But I don't want to stop being active.....

What can I do that doesn't put any pressure or strain on my knees?

I've heard swimming, although I'm not a very good swimmer!! Yoga? Mat pilates? Jumping rope? (I mean.... you're not bending your knees when you jump rope, or do jumping jacks, right? Right? )

I thought I'd be able to get on the Elliptical, but the doc said 'no' for a month or so. Isn't it supposed to be the most low-impact cardio machine there is? (Obviously I won't ignore my doctor's advice, but I'd still like to hear other people's thoughts and experiences).

Any suggestions?

Swimming is about the only thing that comes to mind that puts no strain on your knees. And If you're not a very good swimmer that's ok, since you most likely will become a good swimmer if you do it enough (I'm not much of a swimmer either so I'm just guessing that's how it goes )

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isn't it enough that it's the right thing to do?

knit fast - die warm

Try running through water, low impact but hard!

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Fitness Uncovered - UK Bodybuilding and Fitness

you can also do strengthening exercises for the muscles around your knees. they will pick up the slack and help with any pain that you may be having. one exercise that i like to do is to tie an exercise band around both thighs just above the knees walk side to side in a halfway squat position. i don't know a better way to explain it. the exercise works the hamstrings and the quads. you can also tie the band above the ankles and walk the same way. if your knee is bothering you that much though, i'd go see a doctor if i were you to make sure you can do any exercises like that just yet. but always say yes to physical therapy and NO to surgery. i hope this helps

p.s. maybe you can find an example online of the exercise that i'm talking about, i have yet to find one. i forget what it's called.

I actually know what you're talking about, I've seen it illustrated in fitness magazines before.

Yeah, I think strengthening my leg muscles will help. For now, I'm trying to enjoy the time off.... and the knee is getting better every day!!

Aqua-robics would be great.
Maybe Also try taking some Vegan Glucosamine.
It can make a huge difference to those wear and tear type joint problems.

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Have you ever loved someone so much you didn't care what happened to yourself?
You Just had to be with them.
If they look at you, your heart stops.
If you feel their breath on your skin, you just ache.
Have you ever craved someone so much you didn't exist anymore?

Have you tried the rowing machine?

It does work the leg muscles so your knee can get stronger, but it doesn't involve supporting your bodyweight.

I row for a club and I don't see many injuries, even amongst the very senior members.

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Strength Table:
http://www.veganfitness.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=20333

Some x-trainers are smooth too. Bikes are a no no IME.

I think exercises in water are the best bet, maybe look for classes in your gym?

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Fitness Uncovered - UK Bodybuilding and Fitness

Aqua fitness it is!

And no, I hadn't thought to try the rowing machine. Good idea!

I have knee issues as well, but I find I struggle with swimming. Not only am I really bad at it, but the instability of kicking in the water (my legs sort of "wobble") puts a lot of strain on my knees and they often ache afterwards. I've had a lot of success with eliptical machines so maybe after your month of rest you can give them a try (but take it easy at first to get a feel for it!). I've heard that people hurt themselves by holding onto the handles instead of swinging their arms freely because it puts a lot of strain on your body, so something to keep in mind.

Aqua fitness classes were always fun, I could do those, but I caught a lot of odd stares from the other participants for being a "healthy young person" instead of old or pregnant .

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http://veganfarmgirl.blogspot.com/

There are some cardio machines that are very low impact and good for people with knee injuries. Elypticals, bikes, AMTs, and Arc Trainers are the ones that we have at my gym.

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