Alternatives to Running ...

Spring is in the air , we are wanting to get outside . Many are starting their running routines and jogging . But what if you are not a runner ? What exercises can you incorporate that fits your lifestyle ?  There are many .  For 2 years I swam each day to shed the pounds. Water aerobics takes the stress off of your joints and knees. And not only that it is a fun sport that one can do alone or in a group .  Eliptical machines are another way you can shed pounds. While it can still be hard on your knees, it is a controllable exercise . This is a great exercise for toning up the butt and thighs .  Even if you want to jog or run , and feel it is hurting your body, try walking or fast walking . This will decrease some of the stress caused by pounding the road in a full run .  I am a runner, but am finding that the weight I carried for so many years put stress on my knees , and I am not about to injure my body any longer.So I have been looking into alternatives . And I truly think that there are enough exercise routines out there will fit your needs other than running . But hey .. if you can run .. do it , just know your limits. Dancing, Put on your favorite tunes and start moving . A good 30 minute routine will get the heart pumping and burn calories too . And you control how hard you go or how soft . Even ball room dancing is an excellent way to shed pounds. Not to mention it gets you close to your partner and can make for a fun date !  Just remember , before starting any physical routine that you are not sure will hurt or stress you , get to your doctor and make sure you are clear to go . Just do not think you can hit the pavement running . There are so many things to consider , your warm ups before , your food intake , your hydration before - during and after.  While it looks easy .. Running can be very stressfull on the body and maybe not the best choice for you . And if exercise hurts , it is not the one for you. Exercise needs to be as pain free as possible . Yes, weight training will give you the " burn " but it should never be painful .  If you are a new -op or pre-op your body is still adjusting to many changes. Exercise needs to be started, but started slow .  If you can get to a gym and talk to a trainer, I am sure they can give you exercises that will fit your body and your type of goals . But remember , you must exercise to lose the weight and maintain it . This is a must ! Keep your exercise routine fun and something you like to do . Just because you see people out running does not mean it is the exercise for you .. Start slow and by all means enjoy what you do .  I have inserted some links that may help you along your way .  Just make sure you keep exercise in your life daily . Not only does it help to maintain our weighloss, but it is a sure fit for all around health.  Have a great Day,  Natalie   http://www.stewsmith.com/linkpages/toohottorun.htm http://ezinearticles.com/?Jogging---What-to-Do-When-You-Phys ically-Cant-Jog-at-Your-Next-Work-Out&id=301458 http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking/a2004-06-04-walki ng-fun.html http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongfitness/a/exercise_fun .htm

Excellent advice! I have found the I have to "mix it up" with my exercise because I get bored so easily and like to do a variety of things. I still try to run, but like you, so many years of being overweight and pounding on those joints have made it difficult sometimes. I love the elliptical and a lot of the new classes that the gyms offer, like spinning and Zumba...makes for a nice variety of things to do. I ahev also found some DVDs I can do at home for those days when I don't feel like going back out after work or migh not be feeling 100%.

Great tips here Natalie! Thanks for sharing them! All best!

I found the old knees are not what the used to be .. so reverting back to days in the beginning . Back to swimming for me ..  Have a great one !  Nat

Ok, here's my dumb question for the week...can you still do water aerobics if you can't swim?? 

It isn't a dumb question - I can't swim either - but I plan on learning by summer!! I took some lessons but then had all my surgeries...... but I would like to know abou****er aerobics... Jackie

Absolutely! You just need to be in about chest deep water at most so you can have your feet firmly planted and focus on the moves ... much like out of the water :)  At least that is how it is at my gym.  We do some walking and stuff up and down the pool and at the end we get noodles to ride.. seriously... try sitting on a noodle and just using your arms or legs or holding it as a floaty board out in front of you and kicking... PHEW... Leg work out!!  I  Water Aerobics 

No dumb question..... You actually can do water aerobics without knowing how to swim.  They usually keep you in the more shallow end (4 feet deep or so) and have you walk in the pool, use a foam pad and kick your fee****er weights...stuff like that. I use to do water aerobics a long time ago, and it is a GREAT workout. Try it! 

Please...I think it's a well established fact on this board that there are no dumb questions....

Yes, depending on where you are doing it you should be able to do water aerobics even if you can't swim. When I did it at my old gym, we were in the deep end but we all wore these flotation belts (even if we could swim - treading water and doing the exercises is too much!). However, at my new gym the pool is only 5 ft. deep all the way around. I haven't done a class there yet, but seems like you must be able to do it in water you can stand in!

I also see a lot of people at my gym (I swim a lot as well) just walking up and down the lanes in the pool. I tried it one time - it's a lot harder than you think! I was not coordinated enough to pull it off, but then again I didn't try very hard because I LOVE to swim.

I've been wanting to try a water aerobics class here so if anyone in Richmond wants to go with me, let me know. I'm pretty sure I can take you as a guest to my gym and we could give it a try. Fun!

Sarah

hey girl.  what gym do you go to.  i just joined american family and would love to do some water aerobics after my surgery.  my pulmonologist and cardiologist actually recommended this to me and i guess i just never thought about it til recently.  let me know. theresa