I need some major ideas for exercising that I can do INSIDE that is not extremely "hard" on any certain points of your body especially your back. I can't handle the cold very well without my joints aching really bad. So instead of NOT exercising, I need something I can do indoors.
I need something that will help the whole body preferably.
I need something that is pretty quiet/does not require a lot of jumping etc.
*I was leaning more towards the mini elliptical or the stepper.
Which do you guys suggest?
I have broke my back and neck in the past and have had 5 discs fused in my neck and I have an artificial shoulder. I use the treadmill (if weather is bad), elliptical, exercise bands & light weights and pilates. I do occasionally go to a Water Aerobic class, which I love, but the chemicals irritate my skin if I go too often. I also, in the past, have done yoga.
If you have knee issues, I'd stay away from the stepper.
Usually, I just do Leslie Sansone type moves-marching in place, side steps, knee lifts, etc., while I watch shows on tv that I've recorded. I also have a hand weights/rubber tubing routine that I follow.
I've got the "In Motion" mini elliptical, without handle bars (but you need to put the back of a chair in front of it in case you lose your balance). I think I paid just under $100. It works well as part of my routine. I use it when there's chance of ice outside (I've slipped and fell too many times!).
I'll watch a TV show while I use it, and then during the commercials I switch to doing a set with hand weights, squats, kicks, etc. When I'm done with a set, I get back to the elliptical until the next commercial. This keeps my heart rate at a nice pace, and gives my arms a chance to recover.
I consider this an easy workout, but I still work up a sweat. I'll go between one and two hours this way. Make sure your form is correct with the hand weights and squats, etc., and you'll have no problem with your back.