What are the best types of cardio exercise for someone with bad knees?

Asked by: Carl Vonk

Best Cardio Exercise For Bad Knees

• Swimming. Swimming is one of the best cardio workouts for people with bad knees, because of its low impact on your body. …
• Elliptical. Working out on an elliptical is low impact and would be a much better option than running on a treadmill. …
• Rowing. …
• Cycling. …
• Pilates. …
• Step ups.

What kind of cardio can I do with bad knees?

Best Cardio Workouts for Knee Pain Sufferers

• Walking. Since running or jogging may not be the best option, walking (including speed walking) is a good low-impact cardio workout if you keep a brisk pace. …
• Swimming/Pool Exercises. …
• Elliptical Machine and Bicycle. …
• Low-Resistance Circuit Training. …
• Other Exercises.

What is the best exercise if you have bad knees?

Here are some exercises you can do if you have bad knees that will also help reduce pain.

1. Walking. Walking is a low-impact activity that doesn’t put too much stress on your knees and can help strengthen the muscles in that area. …
2. Lateral Walk. …
3. Monster Walk. …
4. Donkey Kicks. …
5. Fire Hydrants. …
6. Warm-Up Stretches. …
7. Water Aerobics.

Should I do cardio if my knee hurts?

Cardio Exercise for Knee Pain
Once you know what’s going on with your knee and have clearance from your doctor, you can start exercising. Cardio exercise is a great place to start and one of the best choices for strengthening the lower body, getting your heart rate up, and losing weight.

What type of cardio equipment is best for people with knee problems or arthritis?

Elliptical pros
Low-impact exercise typically puts less stress on your joints than high-impact exercise. This makes the elliptical a safer option if you have a musculoskeletal condition such as low-back pain, knee or hip pain, or other health conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.

How can I lose weight with bad knees?

Walking: This lubricates the joints, burns calories, and aids in weight loss. Walking also increases blood flow to tight muscles and helps strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee. Longer, slower walks are more knee-pain friendly. Cycling: Biking is a safe, overall workout for people with knee pain.

What exercises not to do with bad knees?

The Worst Exercises for Bad Knees

• W Sit and Hurdler Stretch. “W sitting is normally seen in children, but has also been adopted by athletes to stretch hip rotators and quadriceps,” Ebner says. …
• Squats and Lunges with Knees Caving In. …
• Lunges with Knee Passing Over Toes.

What cardio machine is easiest on knees?

Elliptical
Opt for an elliptical over a treadmill for minimal risk of knee injury. Your feet never leave the pedals, which means there is less of a chance to injure your knees, back, neck or hips.

Which is better for knees treadmill or bike?

The bike is also better than the treadmill when it comes to impact and looking after your joints. Running can put stress on your spine, hips, knee, and ankle joints, whereas the bike is the perfect exercise machine choice for anyone with dodgy knees.

Is elliptical or bike better for knees?

Both the elliptical trainer and the stationary exercise bike are good for strengthening the knees because keeping them mobile and active will prevent further damage. However, the exercise bike wins for people looking for a cardio machine less strenuous on the knees.

How do you stay in shape with a knee injury?

There are a few ways to continue exercising as you recover from a knee injury. Options may include: Upper Body Strength Training.
Cardio Focused Training

1. Push-ups.
2. Bicycle crunches.
3. Side-lying leg raise (10 reps on each leg)
4. Overhead dumbbell press.
5. Seated Russian twists.

Can you strengthen a bad knee?

Exercise and knee pain
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can strengthen the muscles that support your knee joint. Having stronger muscles can reduce the impact and stress on your knee, and help your knee joint move more easily.

What exercises are easy on the knees?

6 exercises that are easy on your joints

• Walking. Walking is an easy, popular way to exercise and it’s easy to see why. …
• Elliptical training machines and stair machines. …
• Recumbent or stationary cycling. …
• Swimming or other pool exercises. …
• Strength training. …
• Tai chi. …
• Avoiding wear and tear.

What cardio is easiest on joints?

Swimming is perhaps the BEST exercise when wanting to go easy on your joints. The buoyancy of the water enables the body to get a cardio workout without feeling the stress of feet hitting the pavement. Swimming laps and even treading water can burn calories quickly, while also providing a good workout for the heart.

How can I do cardio without my knees?

Now let’s take a look at the top 6 cardio exercises for people with bad knees:

1. Swimming. Swimming is one of the best cardio workouts for people with bad knees, because of its low impact on your body. …
2. Elliptical. …
3. Rowing. …
4. Cycling. …
5. Pilates. …
6. Step ups.