less stress for knees

[lesliemarie]

Cathe, I am wondering what I can do that is less stress on the knees but still get the same results? I have not worked out in such a long time and all the work I have gained has now gone to flab I don't do the lunges because they seem to aggrivate my knees more, I wear knee braces for everything I do. I would love to get back into shape again, I have thrown out my diet coke and now drink tons of water, and I TRY to eat healthy but when them oreo cookies are in the cubbard I have a very hard time, and now easter is coming and them chocolate eggs LOL. Any sorry to go on. I just need some advice for lower body workouts that I can modify for my knees. Do I have to go as low as you do? can I go as low as I am comfortable with without pain?

 

[renupai]

I am a great fan of cathe's but most of her workouts are for the advanced exerciser.
All the workouts in the world will not get you anywhere unless you control your irrational urges to eat. Throw out those oreo cookies if you have to. But find some one who can recommend a good nutritional plan specifically designed for you with your likes and dislikes in mind.
Eat to satisfy your stomach hunger and not for any other reason like boredom, depression, celebration or even happiness.
Start with beginner and intermediate level workouts. And only when you can do them comfortably and effortlessly should you move on to Cathe's advanced workouts.
May be Cathe's newest videos for the intermediate exerciser are for you.
Swimming,Walking, treadmill work and work on the elliptical trainer are aerobic workouts that do not tax the knees. And if deep squats and lunges hurt, do not go so low and do not hold weights while doing them for some time.
I lost 45lbs in a year. I began using cathes workouts only in the past six months when my fitness levels had advanced. But now I am hooked on them and do them almost every day.
All the best in your efforts to lose weight. Do not let easter or anything or anybody keep you from getting the body you want.
Luv,
Renu

 

[Jcrew3082]

Hi Leslie Marie,

As far as strength training for the lower body, you could try floor instead of standing exercises. I don't think any of Cathe's videos are specifically geared toward that, so you may have to do a little searching on different options. Also, Pilates might be a good may to build a little strength.

As for cardio, you could do good old fashioned walking lol or use an elliptical machine if you have access to one.

Good luck,
Gina

 

[lesliemarie]

I am going to try to contol my self with my binges more, as for stepping I have been stepping for over 10 years I only discovered Cathe last June and I love her tapes, the others I was using got way to easy for me to do and boring also, Cathe's tapes were much more fun and they way she talks is so fun and inspiring for me. I love SJP!!! my most favorite of them all, I also wish there was a tape just all floor. I am changing my routines some, I am now swimming twice a week and jogging/walking once a week and then the step and then the weights LOL I still not perfected my Rotation yet! I am still new to that since I have never tried to do that before but I love the way my arms look!!!! I was always too skinny and boney and looked gross and ugly now I am toned and shapely!! and I got my hubby inspired to exercise now LOL. Thank you Cathe

 

[Venus]

I have bad knees and I found a physical therapist very helpful. He has told me what I can do and not do. I also have to wear braces when I workout.

I can't speak for you but for me these are the things I'm careful of:

Leg Presses on high step I modify by using a 6" step
Lunges I don't do at all, I skip them or sub something like squats or straight leg lifts on the floor with ankle weights
Step aerobics I limit to once per week at most and use just the top of the step
Other aerobics I do not do any high impact (where both feet leave the ground) moves

What I do instead:

Swim 1 hour twice a week
Bike
Floor leg exercises, squats, deadlifts
Kickboxing instead of high impact

Good luck to you!

 

[eclair]

Venus,
You're looking great. Keep up the good work.

 

[FitLisan]

Venus, thanks for your suggestions. I also have problems with my knees and since I started doing KPC and step once a week I feel much better. I am hoping the weather changes soon so I can start walking.