What exercises when your legs are shot

[Radio_Shack]

Here's the deal. I started running alot at about age 41 and now I'm almost 48. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my back always aches. I have had proper footwear so I am sure thats not the problem so here is the question.

What exercises are good for weight loss given my contraints. I have gained about 20 pounds in the last year because I can't run anymore. The running was keeping the weight off but my legs can't take it anymore. I was running about 20-25km/week up until a year ago. Average about 27 minutes for 5km/session.

 

[squash500]

Here's the deal. I started running alot at about age 41 and now I'm almost 48. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my back always aches. I have had proper footwear so I am sure thats not the problem so here is the question.

What exercises are good for weight loss given my contraints. I have gained about 20 pounds in the last year because I can't run anymore. The running was keeping the weight off but my legs can't take it anymore. I was running about 20-25km/week up until a year ago. Average about 27 minutes for 5km/session.

Maybe try the elliptical machine at your local gym if you're a member of one?

 

[addicted2whiskey]

Here's the deal. I started running alot at about age 41 and now I'm almost 48. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my back always aches. I have had proper footwear so I am sure thats not the problem so here is the question.

What exercises are good for weight loss given my contraints. I have gained about 20 pounds in the last year because I can't run anymore. The running was keeping the weight off but my legs can't take it anymore. I was running about 20-25km/week up until a year ago. Average about 27 minutes for 5km/session.

LOTS AND LOTS OF SEX!!!!!

 

[shoeguy]

Here's the deal. I started running alot at about age 41 and now I'm almost 48. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my back always aches. I have had proper footwear so I am sure thats not the problem so here is the question.

What exercises are good for weight loss given my contraints. I have gained about 20 pounds in the last year because I can't run anymore. The running was keeping the weight off but my legs can't take it anymore. I was running about 20-25km/week up until a year ago. Average about 27 minutes for 5km/session.

From what I know from my trainer, resistance training (weights) promotes the consumption of calories while the body is at rest, where as running only burns what is consumed during the run, so you don't need to run, weights could help. IMHO however, given your current physical state, I wouldn't take any advice from anyone, other than that who is qualified to provide it.

You don't want to make something worse. Drop by your GP, and see if you are well enough, and possibly set up a visit to your local gym.

 

[Brill]

Briskly walk the same distance you used to run, it's the same aerobic value.

As suggested, swimming, cycling or an elliptical machine are all good ideas.

Eat less.

 

[Mia.Colpa]

Most former joggers who couldn't run anymore due to knee problems, shin splints, etc took up bicycling. Less impact on the knees and shins.

 

[Hotdog]

Cycling (especially a recumbent bike at the gym) is usually fine for people with knee problems. And combine that with weights and you'll burn alot of calories. It would be wise to hire a personal trainer to help get you started with the weight training.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Swimming is supposed to be really good for you.

 

[CapitalGuy]

Swimming is supposed to be really good for you.

I will jump on the swimming band wagon. No impact, strength-oriented due to the water resistance, good cardio, good fat burn, can be done year round and into old age.

Weights too, as mentioned by others.

Overall, I would suggest you find a physical past-time that you truly enjoy and will continue to do throughout your life. That way, you are getting exercise without feeling like you are working out. Golf is the classic example (assuming you don't take a cart). Its great exercise but no one ever says "I am getting fat so I have to hit the links." They just go golfing and get the workout without realizing it. How about cross-country skiiing? Non-competitive, just enjoying nature? Snowshoeing too. Shinny. etc.

Oh yeah, and sex!

 

[Cycleguy007]

As several have already said...

First consult your physician.

Then, after he gives you a green light- walking, and cycling as well as swimming are all great cardio workouts and all great for your legs.

I also have knee issues. I used to run distances in high school etc but after I tore my ACL ligaments in both knees while skiing "bumps" as a much younger man, (Right knee in 1990, left knee in 1991) I could no longer sustain the impact that running makes on my knees.

A number of years ago when I decided to do something about my expanding "waste" line, I started walking about 7 kms everyday in about an hour, so it was a brisk walk. When that got boring, and I yearned for a more rigorous workout, I jumped on my bike. The rest as they say is history! (As was my waist line!)

 

[Oldedawg]

Here's the deal. I started running alot at about age 41 and now I'm almost 48. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my back always aches. I have had proper footwear so I am sure thats not the problem so here is the question.

What exercises are good for weight loss given my contraints. I have gained about 20 pounds in the last year because I can't run anymore. The running was keeping the weight off but my legs can't take it anymore. I was running about 20-25km/week up until a year ago. Average about 27 minutes for 5km/session.

After you consult your physician I would try a combination of Bikram Yoga and swimming. After I could no longer run without pain I went with the yoga and swimming and it has worked great

 

[Radio_Shack]

Well, I went to gym today at lunch and did Elliptical for 30 minutes (500 cals), did the bike for a bit. My body is really in rough shape. I don't remember my heart rate getting above 135 before when i was more fit. Today I got it to 160. Will try this work out 4 times a week and report back.

Thanks