Cardio for Bad Knees?
 

I have terrible, terrible knees and ankles. It's frustrating because I love running and would do it every day, but my legs just can't handle it. I tried spinning on a stationary bike, but even that seems to bother them! Swimming, unfortunately, is out of the question simply because I live nowhere near a body of water, and cannot afford to spend money on a gym membership or pool club membership.

Sorry if I'm whining, but I was wondering if any of you had suggestions for great highimpact cardio that is knee-friendly?

I currently lift, and do typical conditioning exercises (situps, crunches, pushups, pullups, teasers, leg lifts, ect) as well as pilates and yoga. These make me feel great, but sometimes I feel like they don't get my heart pumping as much as I'd like!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, even if you don't have time or ideas to respond with!

Do you have access to an elliptical trainer? That has really helped me with my knees. What about walking? Low-impact aerobics videos?

My knees are terrible. They crack constantly. I like the elliptical and just plain walking. I have a "y' membership it would be only $39 a month if I was single. I would give up my cable tv before I gave up my membership.

Sharon and Manda, I don't have access to an eliptical but walking is definitely a great idea...
Manda, I do try and do some aerobics, they don't bother me too much! I need to get some nice DVDs or something to get me motivated to do them!
I've also probably got to just go without movies or new things for a while, and figure out a way to pay the 500 dollar swim fee for our local pool club...
I'm awfully young so it's tricky to come about with loads of extra cash while saving up for college...but health is what's most important, right?

Do you live in an apartment? Or, once you start college (depending on how far off that is from now), most colleges have student gyms that are really cheap or free.

Another option, depending on your age - apply to work in the daycare or at the front desk at a gym! You get a free membership that way for a couple shifts a week, not to mention you're AT the gym more often, so you can get your workouts in with greater frequency.

hmm that's actually a really good idea. The gym we have around here is super expensive, but severely understaffed in the daycare. I should try that!

thank you!