AimeeM Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 The doctor describes my bad knees as "trauma-induced arthritis" (sports; gymnastics on a competitive level to be specific), or something like that. I'm 30 and have been on daily NSAIDs for my knees since I was... 15 or 16, I think? He is sending me to an orthopedic surgeon and wants me to consider the possibility of knee replacements (both knees). Fun times. Regardless, that's somewhat off topic (but not by much, lol). I recently wanted to lose 10-15 lbs. I've lost most of what I wanted to lose, but I'm having an awful time figuring out how to tone up those areas (and they NEED to be toned!) in a way that is "no-impact" for my knees. The doctor said that at this point he's fine recommending squats as a way for me to tone my bottom areas... but I can't physically DO traditional squats :p I have Hip Hop Abs, and I love it. I'm not allowed to use it, though, without so many modifications that it makes it essentially worthless. So, I'd like to tone up my thighs, my hip-area, and my bottom. I'd love to tone up my stomach, too, but after 3 c-sections and a complete hysterectomy, I think the area there that needs toned up is of the variety that may only respond to surgery. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freesia Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 TTapp has been the best for my abs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 What about swimming? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonM Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 I would say swimming, and maybe an exercise in the pool class. I know that my YMCA has them but it is mostly elderly people. I have to say that having bad knees make exercise pretty hard. Happy thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted September 22, 2015 Author Share Posted September 22, 2015 I probably should have said that I need something I can do at home, if I want it to get done regularly ;) Swimming is a GREAT idea, but I wouldn't be able to get there regularly - between DS6's medical issues and DS3's "sensory seeking" behavior, I couldn't put them in the Y childcare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 There is an ab/butt toning exercise that I remember from an aerobic class where you lay on your stomach, knees bent, and lift your lower leg straight up a little, foot toward the ceiling. That at least is not load bearing on your knees. Maybe that would be a good way to start, and also of course crunches and sideways crunches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 I'd also suggest swimming. It is marvelous on the joints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Seconding T-Tapp. You can get the book Fit and Fabulous in 15 minutes at most libraries, but the DVDs are really the best. It takes a bit to get the form right and seeing it really helped me. My dh and I do it together, which the dc find endlessly amusing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Pilates Pilates Pilates! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Yoga If you are willing to buy a machine, I find the elliptical much easier on the knees than even gentle walking outside. It will tone all the things! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 There are a lot of exercises you can do on a Swiss ball (or exercise ball) that do not involve weight-bearing on your knees. Go to youtube and search for the muscle group you want to exercise and "Swiss ball" or "exercise ball" or "stability ball." You'll find a lot. So sorry to hear that about your knees and so young! Yikes! I would also try youtube and "exercises for knees." Those will actually be exercises for strengthening the muscles around the knees without hurting your knees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 The doctor describes my bad knees as "trauma-induced arthritis" (sports; gymnastics on a competitive level to be specific), or something like that. I'm 30 and have been on daily NSAIDs for my knees since I was... 15 or 16, I think? He is sending me to an orthopedic surgeon and wants me to consider the possibility of knee replacements (both knees). Fun times. Regardless, that's somewhat off topic (but not by much, lol). I recently wanted to lose 10-15 lbs. I've lost most of what I wanted to lose, but I'm having an awful time figuring out how to tone up those areas (and they NEED to be toned!) in a way that is "no-impact" for my knees. The doctor said that at this point he's fine recommending squats as a way for me to tone my bottom areas... but I can't physically DO traditional squats :p I have Hip Hop Abs, and I love it. I'm not allowed to use it, though, without so many modifications that it makes it essentially worthless. So, I'd like to tone up my thighs, my hip-area, and my bottom. I'd love to tone up my stomach, too, but after 3 c-sections and a complete hysterectomy, I think the area there that needs toned up is of the variety that may only respond to surgery. Any suggestions? Callanetics are gentle exercises. The woman who presented them can be annoying but - for me - the exercises worked. I have been doing them for 25 yrs and they have proven to be effective yet gentle. Callan Pinckney offers a few alternatives for various joint issues. If you are interested you ought to be able to get a book or DVD inexpensively since it's nothing new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Rebounding? It is a workout on a mini tramp. I know nothing other than that I have seen it mentioned on this board, Googled it and now have a constant stream of ads for mini trampolines on my sidebar. But it does look kind of fun, if of dubious efficacy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Biking is easy on the knees and helps strengthen them. If you need to do it at home, a stationary trainer is relatively inexpensive. Pilates and yoga are other great ideas. Have you tried resistance bands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Ugh, that is why I don't want my kids in gymnastics. I'm awful. Anyway, ChaLean Extreme and p903 have great ab work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 I just saw this workout and thought it might be the kind of thing that would work for you: http://www.prevention.com/fitness/strength-training/love-your-lower-body/knee-press Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Something like yoga or pilates or t-tapp. And maybe tracy Anderson mat work (absolutely NOT her dance cardio) but she is often on all fours and I don't know if you can do that. But I find her stuff to be great at firming things up and creating nice lines. There is TONS of free yoga and pilates on youtube. There are entire channels like 'fitness blender' on youtube that have so, so many free workouts. There is Classical Stretch. It airs on some PBS channels or you can buy the dvds, but I have seen workouts pop up on youtube if you want to give that a try For yoga there is youtube and there is also this site: https://www.doyogawithme.com/ But absolutely you can tone up with those things. Ttapp is non impact but her dvds are very expensive and I don't think it is any better than a good pilates or yoga class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganCupcake Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 I love Katy Bowman's Restorative Exercise/Nutritious Movement, so for your knees, I'd recommend all of her work, especially Save Your Knees, Build a Butt (scroll down on this link to find it). Her $5 Alignment Snacks are also really great for restoring the body to a healthier state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristie in Florida Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 My knees are similar and I did pilates fine before this pregnancy. I had two prior c sections and will be having a third. I think our tummys will always be squishy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.