Got my 40 bundle but my knees are defiant!

S

sierrastar

Cathlete
Hi girls...well I got my 40 bundle so I pretty much have it all now...

I have been so excited and have been working out with the Hardcore all last week and ready to join a rotation ....but...

my knees are weak and when I try to do step even with no risers I hurt in my knees...I am totally bummed...all hyped up to go head over heels into these tapes and lose some weight and now my knees are giving me trouble...(and they never have bfore)

I did step at the gym 2x to 3x a week for 2 years but now my knees hurt? I did kickmax today and my knees were fine with that (but cant do some of the jumping)

I am thinking that the squats are killing my knees because it hurts if I try to do them (well thats my logic)

anyways, I am bummed...I was planning to really hit these tapes hard...now I think "what if my knees will never allow me to do most of these tapes?"

thatnks for listening to my frustration
 
Hi Judy,

Boy, I can totally relate to your frustration. I really can't do step workouts anymore either, at least not more than 2 or 3 times a month. It's so funny because I was probably one of the first ones to ever own a club step and used it daily for several years, but I can't handle it anymore. My knees don't really bother me but I do have a bad hip and also, my coordination just ain't what it used to be.

I just bought the new Tracie Long DVD's. There are 4 workouts that concentrate on functional fitness and I'm hoping that these will help to give me that little extra something I need to do more advanced type cardio. They're really supposed to help you with strength (with some good focus on the small support muscles), and balance.

Maybe something like this will give you whatever boost you need. Also, have you tried the thick puzzle mats? I think those make a big difference in the effects of impact moves.

HTH;)

Michele:)
 
thanks Michelle,

You know I still feel like I am 20 in my mind! Too bad my body wont join me on that thought...

Do you think I would still need the puzzle mats on top of my bedroom carpet? I would really like to know that as I would definitely get some type of cushioning flooring if my carpet and padding are part of the problem.

I love step and I better lay off it for a few days...I am going to lower to one riser...I ahve always done 2 risers with no problems...

I really think alot of it is those danr free standing squats...I did squats on the smith machine and never had knee problems...

but these free standing squats are doing a number on my knees...even lunges never bothered my knees...once I get my knees back (hopefully within the next couple of days) I am going to figure something else to do when it is squat time...maybe high knee lifts...

thanks again!
 
Oh, I definitely think the puzzle mats will help. I couldn't believe the difference they made. The only problem I have is that I can only workout in my family room which means that I have to put the mats together, take them apart and put them away each time I want to do step. It's such a hassle that I would rather NOT do step than have to deal with the mats. But honestly, they do help alot IMHO.

ETA I also think it's a good idea to lower your step for now. I can only use one set of risers at this point in my life but I'm hoping to be able to improve over time. Sometimes I just use the platform without risers. I try to pay attention to what my body says.

I know what you mena about feeling 20 in your mind--LOL! Me too, unfortunately I turned 50 last May and the ole bod just can't do what it used to do--sigh.

Michele
 
I agree with Michele- puzzle mats are a wise investment!! My knees were hurting last May after a month of Low Max. After I got the mats, they don't hurt nearly as much!!! Granted, I'm 28, but they still made a big difference for me. Good luck!
 
thanks girls...

can I ask where you got your puzzle mats? Does Target or Wal Mart carry them? Also what size area did you get for your step...I was thinking a 4' x 6' or 6' x 8'

I also need to get new shows which I am going to purchase tomorrow...
 
I got mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. I seem to recall that they had 2 packages to choose from: a six pack and a four pack. I believe each mat is about 3/4" thick and measures 2 X 2. I bought 2 packages, each with 6 mats, and I think I need another pack. You need to make sure you have plenty of clearance on all sides to avoid tripping over the edges. Several people use these mats---maybe someone else could chime in here about where they got theirs and how big of an area they covered. HTH

Michele:)
 
I picked my mats up at Home Depot. I originally had an 8x8 area in my basement but I found the mats real cheap at my local Job Lot so I picked up a couple more sets. Now my area is 12x12 and it seems big enough, but sometimes when I'm doing a Cathe workout that's a space hog, like Cardio Kicks, I go off the mats.

My knees get achy too. I find that when I don't do lower body weight training and all I do is cardio like running or step my knees will act up. It seems like my legs need the added weight training to balance all the cardio I do. Ironically, my knees feel best when I do Leaner Legs a couple of times a week. I got sick of doing this workout all the time so I shelved it for a while, but I feel the achiness coming back so I guess I'd better pull it out again.

Oh and definitely lower the step. If I even do a warmup on an 8 inch step my knees are screaming at me the next day.
 
Judy,

You may just need to insert some rest days in there to give your muscles/joints time to recover since you are just starting out with Cathe and the Hardcores to boot!

The muscles that surround and support your knees are probably weak and need strengthening. There are a lot of people on here more knowledgeable about this. I'm sure you'll get some more feedback.

I am doing the January rotation and my knees are complaining a little bit but they've been better the last couple of days. The high impact of last week aggravated them a bit.
 
thanks everyone...I needed the support (and so do my knees)

I just ordered some knee wraps to give me a little support...I have been going full force since last week...

I will lower the step and I won't do step more than 2 to 3 times a week ...dang...I could do step everyday if my stupid joints would let me! I hate the treadmill compared to step - it is soooo boring...but I need to work that in a couple of times per week...

Even if my knees were great I do not think I could do the jumping in the Kickmax blast segment (kick your knees to your butt, etc...) I feel like I weigh 1000 pounds when I try to do that...

I wish I had nice cushy joints!
 
Hey Judy,

Mixing up your routines will relieve the stress on those knees. In the KM blasts when I am going those butt-kicking jumps, I make sure I go down on a soft joint. I know I've mentioned this before but this really helps me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top