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.

 

[heregothere]

treadmill is really bad on your shins since the rebound is blunted and can be even harder on your knees and back if the machine is warped (pretty common in gyms where people pound the machines day in and day out).

take this from a former distance runner.

if you must use a machine (i don't see why you can't go out and walk if you have the time to hop onto a machine, but to each their own), try to do the elliptical for two days, then the bike for one, and repeat, so you are switching up the muscles being used and so that you don't neglect the almighty hamstrings by using the bike.

 

[Socrates]

Walking is best! or you could always do 20 rep set squat snatches.....doggy style position might not hurt.......

 

[Texas Ranger]

The reason why I can't get out and walk around is I have to watch my kids during the time I have scheduled to work out. I would not be able to concentrate.

 

[Synpax]

need to get your heartrate up to 65% to burn fat and 85% of max to build cardio ability.

So swiming is good, maybe a punching bag or a rowing machine. It doesn't have to be lower body exclusive.

Elipticals are good but.... damn does it look ghey seeing a guy on them at the gym.

 

[JKurz1]

AND of course, that's why we are there...to look cool......dont know about you guys, but I wear shades when im on the elliptical in case Synpax shows up..........

 

[Texas Ranger]

Up for Mr.X!!

 

[dzuljas]

use one of those stationary bikes with back support.......shouldnt bother your knees...........walking wont get your heartrate up enough to burn fat unless u are powerwalking and i dont think u wanna do that and look like a homo walking around the neighborhood

 

[Texas Ranger]

Guys, I stopped off Oshman's yesterday to test ride some equipment before I bought anything. Man, I ran across a heck of a deal! They had a Schwinn Stationary Bike that normally runs $400 for $199.97. I could not believe it! I rode that MOFO like Lance Armstrong and it DID NOT budge!! Get this! It has a 30 year warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor!!! The funny thing is they had crappy Proform bikes with HORRIBLE 90 day warranties for $250-$350. I'm also going to get a cheap Treadmill and do some powerwalking to alternate.

 

[Brett44444444]

Swim! Fully body, almost zero impact, works lung capacity, pace can be as fast/slow as you want/its fun/you can see beautiful people in bathingsuits....I really dont think there is much of a better option for cardio...

 

[Texas Ranger]

Bro, I can't swim to save my life... LOL!!!