Knees, Step and Swimming
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| Wed, 03-16-2005 - 2:27pm |
I've been noticing my knees hurting a little after my step and kickboxing classes, so I'm looking for a little advice. First of all, what can I do to minimize the stress on my knees? I work out five or six times a week, and really enjoy it - I just don't want to hurt myself. Through most of my life, I've been pretty inactive, and only started working out a few years ago.
I was also thinking that the ultimate solution to my knee problem would be to work out in ways that are less hard on my knees - I'm especially considering swimming. In the past, I haven't done much swimming because I don't really know what to do, and end up quitting before I really get a chance to exert myself. Now that I'm in a lot better shape, I don't think I'll have as hard a time pushing myself to actually get some exercise, but I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a beginning swimmer's workout, maybe 30 something that would keep me working for 30 minutes or so? If I have a plan ahead of time, I figure I'll be a lot more successful at getting a good workout. I'd really appreciate any help.

Swimming would be a great way to work out w/out hurting your knees, or any kind of water work out.
the problem with step and kickboxing could be the instructor, for instance having the music too fast. kickboxing especially can be murder on the knees if your instructor isn't demonstrating good form. with step, you can try using fewer risers.
i think you are right that the best thing to do is do less of those activities and more of other activities that are easier on the knees. swimming is a great choice. as jean says, you might not be able to swim for 30 minutes straight if you aren't used to it. i definitely could not swim for 30 minutes straight, even when i was swimming regularly. you can always take breaks between laps. just do as many laps as you can do and try to more the next time.