Help! Suggestions please

[jbperry21 1]

I was just banded on 3/31. I have a membership to a gym, but last week I went to my regular doctor because I was having some problems with my knee popping. There's no pain, but until I find out for sure what's going with my knee I can't really do a lot of walking. My knee cap is supposedly not lining up correctly, so it's popping and has caused some other problems. I've had x-rays done so hopefully I'll find out the outcome soon and it won't be something that requires surgery.

So, that being said, suggestions on some types of exercises that I can do. I'm ready to start exercising because I'm feeling better, but I don't have access to a pool and walking even with the knee brace is still causing popping.

[Parvathi 2]

About two weeks out of surgery, I didn't feel up to big time exercise (cause I'd never had a real exercise routine before), so I headed to the pool for some Water aerobics. I thought it would be kind of lame (and maybe I just lucked out), but I really enjoyed it! I was able to work up a sweat in the Water, with no real impact.

If you can at all get to a pool, it would be good (I know you said you don't have access). Failing that, ask to meet w/ a personal trainer at your gym. They could set you up w/ a plan that will work for you, keeping in mind your knee injury.

Good luck with it all. Its great to see that you're *wanting* to exercise!!

[TulipStar 2]

I had some knee problems a couple months ago. I tore my meniscus in my left knee. The dr said I could only do low impact which was... walking, Water aerobics, swimming or the elliptical, stationary bike.

For you, since you don't know what exactly is the problem, I would think stationary bike is the safest.

You can also do some strength training for your upper body using the machines at the gym or free weights.

[sknydreamn 0]

Hi, I had a similar problem with my kneecap. I did have pain that wouldnt go away even after an mri showed nothing wrong. Turned out i needed to do more to strengthen other muscles in my legs to balance how the kneecap was pulled when flexing. I also wore a spandex type knee brace that helped keep my kneecap in the right position. It really did help a lot. Your best bet is to find a great physical therapist....Good Luck!!

[make33 2]

Well, you can still do all the upper body exercises you want!

I will have to have a knee replacement (MRI last week) but am going to hold off as long as possible with cortisone shots every few months. And I LOVE to work out at the YMCA--so I've adjusted my routine around my knee.

For your lower body: You may be able to do the leg extensions, allowing your other knee to take up the slack, but the leg curl and leg press will be out of the question for you. You should still be able to do the inner/outer thigh machine and the calf raises (on a seated machine) without too much difficulty--but no squats whatsoever!

For aerobic exercise, you may be able to use the recumbent (seated) bike -- or a rowing machine, but I think the eliptical bike and the treadmill are probably out for you.

Don't give up, though--exercise the very best thing for you, regardless of what it is you're able to do! It just makes you feel great! :thumbup:

P.S. I will say, though, that I was not able to go back to Curves for five weeks post-op and the YMCA was seven weeks post op, with adjusting my weights downward for a few weeks after that. It's too soon for you to begin lifting anything heavy--so just be patient!

Edited April 25, 2008 by make33

[ajoneen 0]

if you can't go to the gym for a while make sure to get a letter from your Dr to suspend your membership. that way you're not paying for time you are no using.

Good luck!!

[daba373 0]

Body weight exercises like the plank, push ups, bear walk, burpees are great.

But just make sure your nutrition is balanced - priority.

no point to exercise if your diet is not balanced. Till such time your knees are fine, use body weight workouts and then move onto interval training and resistance training.