Effective Low Impact Cardio???

[Texas Ranger]

Guys, in YOUR opinion, what's effective LOW IMPACT cardio? The reason I ask is I had an ACL repaired in my knee 4 years ago and it gives me a little trouble every now and then. I need something that REALLY kicks a*s without stressing my knee joints. Is it the Elliptical Trainer? Stationary Bike? Stairmaster? Or Treadmill?

 

[mordy]

Elliptical

bike is ok but to me takes too long to get a good workout.

Swimming is best all round.

 

[Wycked Sceptre]

I think you should get out and find a hiking trail on a mountain near you.

I am concerned with making my knees last as long as I can and I find that doing this works great and burns tons of cals.

I go hard on the incline, not running but power walk up it, and then tighten your quads up and hit the breaks and go easy on the decsent, I watch people run down the trails and it just makes me cringe to think about the impact they are putting on their knees.

I think the Stairmaster beats the elliptical in the gym, but I find that everyone that only does gym cardio cant keep up with me when we go for a ride on my Mt Bikes or go hike a trail. Real world cardio vs Machine cardio has a great amount of difference.

 

[Texas Ranger]

I'm leaning toward an Elliptical Trainer and Stepper/Elliptical. The Stepper/Elliptical is more stepper than elliptical, at least that would be the way I'd use it. I rode one at the neighborhood Oshman's and love it! I hardly felt any pressure on my joints when using it as a Stepper. It was suprisingly sturdy & efficient for a low end cardio machine. Here's a picture... http://www.staminafitness.com/staminasales/artbin/productimages/hiresjpg/55-2000.jpg It doesn't look like much, but I was sweating after 3-5 minutes on there.

 

[JBRO]

i use the elliptical trainer. its the only one i can stand to do.

 

[Goldprospector]

elliptical trainer is the only thing that don't hurt my back...It packs a hella workout!

 

[Texas Ranger]

Up for more opinions...

 

[Babyfaced Assassin]

WALKING!!!

did tonnes of walking over the weekend and even though i ate badly i got cut up! go figure!

 

[Texas Ranger]

I appreciate the suggestion, BFA. But, I'm mainly talking about equipment/machines. I don't have time to get out and walk.

 

[heregothere]

walking is the best.

elliptical does spare your knees, but it's overly hard on your hips.