Colia!!

[kellib]

Colia,

This morning after I did a modified step video (no step, just on carpet) and my knees hurt, I decided the only way for them to get better is to stop all workouts involving the knees (which is tearing me apart, i'm sure you understand). so to try to comfort myself and stay somewhat in shape, I'm determined to build up my upper body (increase upper body weight and activity) and use more stretching videos (pilates, maybe give yoga another whirl).
Have you got any ideas? What are you doing to keep from going crazy? I would love your input! I'm at my wit's end; this pain is affecting all parts of my life but I gotta keep moving!

(another off the wall idea I had was to try and find a ballet video with stretching...no exotic moves like leaps and bounds or anything, just poses, stretching); what do you think|?

and how are you doing?

-kelli

 

[Colia]

Hi Kelli!

I am so sorry - I can relate to how you feel, and you are so young! However, I think you are far wiser than I was when I was your age - I had already had two knee surgeries by then, was doing high impact aerobics and running all the time anyway. So I admire you for your wisdom in looking for better ways to maintain your health for the 'long haul'. ;-)

I am still in a knee immobilizer (week four and counting), so cardio has been pretty non-existent. I tried a stationary bike, but it was just too awkward pedaling one-legged, although I think my husband was entertained by the sight Basically I've been doing upper body weight work, some strength work with my good leg (mainly hauling myself up and down steps one-legged and leg extensions) and walking a lot at work, which leaves me exhausted at the end of the day. I've been using the Body for Life plan with the weight work, since most of the video tapes move so fast, and I can't with this leg straight out. I've enjoyed the BFL a lot actually. Overall, I am learning patience and acceptance and am trying to figure out what I'm going to do to rework everything when I can actually use this leg again.

I am surprised to hear you say that you had to give up biking - did it hurt your knees? Are you sure you had your bike adjusted correctly? I've always thought that biking was a great way to keep in shape and strengthen the quads, without pounding them, and it sounds like you really enjoyed it. Perhaps you could give that another try? I think your ideas of strength training, yoga and pilates are excellent. I can't wait to get back to yoga - I have the Bryan Kest tapes and love them. I too am going to look into the Pilates routines. I have read that both of these can be cardiovascular workouts if one advances far enough into them. Have you thought about swimming? There's another great cardio workout without the impact.

A couple of thoughts I had for you - is there a gym where you work? How about a local YMCA - they tend to be pretty inexpensive and often have pools, and cardio equipment like the ellipticals. Some work places also give discounts to health clubs. Don't know your situation, but just a few ideas.

Don't get too discouraged, okay? It sounds like you're dedicated to taking good care of yourself, and I know you'll figure out a routine that works for you. Keep us posted - I go back to the orthopedist next week and I'll email you a progress report - thanks for thinking of me!

Cheers!
Colia

 

[KathyH]

Hi Colia! I'm so sorry to hear about your knees. A suggestion that I would like to make to you would be to try a fitness ball routine. It works every part of your body and its challenging. I purchased it through Gaiam.com. The package includes a ball, video and air pump. Sit on the ball for a couple of days to get comfortable with it and use the tape. I also do the workout which was featured in the new Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. I think you'll really like it. Doesn't put any stress on the knees. Swimming also was suggested to you which is an excellent form of cardio. Good luck and hang in there! We're all on this forum thinking of you. Best, Kathy

 

[kellib]

thanks!

Thank you for the ideas and support! I'd be interested to know where you get your BFL (videos?) and what types of more challenging pilates/yoga tapes you like/suggest. The ones I have, The Method precision toning and firming/flexibility (??) are good starters, but I need something more cardiovascular (that won't hurt!!)

I actually dislike swimming, but if that was my only option, I would jump in! I do have a y really close, but it does not have a pool and the nearest branch with a pool is too far to get to on a frequent basis. thanks for the suggestion though! Do you swim? Colia, Is there a brace/type thing on your knee that you are not allowed to remove while it heals? (I think if I were in your shoes, I'd probably try the one-leg biking too!!

Yeah, biking hurts, for some reason. I have adjusted my seat, the tilt and height, as well as got new snazzy ($$$) pedals (it's a road bike, new in Sept 1999) to try to help. For some reason the left knee just hurt so much with cycling, while the right hurt much more with running. go figure. I did get back into cycling, once a week, up until Oct., but then just got too busy, hard to find people to ride with, cold, etc etc. now, I'm just scared to hop back on--fear of hurting myself more (is that even possible?!!)

I am going to be joining my hubby's gym at work (just 8 bucks a month!!) so we'll go together and I can use the weight machines (and elliptical trainer--i hope), so that'll be good. I think I will try to incorporate walking too, unless it irritates the knees. I'm trying to just let them heal.

This morning was really hard...I just did the PT exercises (weight and stretching) for an hour, then some pilates. I felt so sluggish, and not like I'd done anything. It's going to be a very very long month (gosh,I hope only a month!!!)

Colia,let's keep in touch--I'll look for your e-mail.

your pal in bum-knee land,
kelli