Question Re: Working legs

[Stacy]

If I do an Insanity/HiiT/Plyo type of workout 1-2 times per week, plus either a 3 mile jog or a long walk once a week (in prep for walking a half marathon) do you think I could skip doing standing leg workouts and just do floorwork ie. Tonique Mat either once a week in its entirety or as add-ons a few days per week? I'm torn btwn strengthening my legs to help my knees vs overdoing things and causing a recurrence of knee problems. (I'm a relatively new "runner").

Thanks for any input, or personal experience.

 

[pjlippert]

Hi Stacy,

When I am doing more of the Insanity/HiiTs, I tend to go to Gym Style - the upper body workouts, Tri's & Bi's, etc.. I also have a wonky knee & hip so I don't want to overdo it (as I've stupidly done in the past). I try to keep my workouts varied so I don't end up with over-use injuries.

Now you've whet my appetite for a little Sunday with Shaun T!!!

Happy Sunday!!

Pam

 

[kathryn]

I think you can skip regular lower-body weight workouts, but doing a pre-hab/rehab type of lower-body workout (like Gaiam's "Strong Knees" or Debbie Siebers "Total Body Solution" leg portion) would be a good idea. These include mostly body-weight moves that are particularly good for strengthening the knees (I like Brazil Butt Lift also: it's not really a pre-hab/re-hab program, but I've found that several of the workouts are good for strengthening the knees).

I'd also suggest doing BOTH the 3-mile run and the long walk each week. Every training schedule I see for runners/walkers includes a long run or walk each week, since the longer walk (probably walk, to reduce the impact) teaches the body to use fat as fuel more than sugar, which is important when training for endurance (like a 1/2 marathon).

HTH!

 

[pjlippert]

Hi Kathryn,

Thanks again for the reminder of the Strong Knees DVD. I'm going to order it so I can take care of my wonky joints!! You always have such great ideas!

Happy Sunday!
Pam

 

[kathryn]

Hi Kathryn,

Thanks again for the reminder of the Strong Knees DVD. I'm going to order it so I can take care of my wonky joints!! You always have such great ideas!

Happy Sunday!
Pam

Glad to be of help!
I find that as I get older, I appreciate these kinds of workouts more and more!