Exercising with injuries?

  • I hurt my knee the other day. I'm not sure if it was a direct result of exercising or what, but, nevertheless, my doctor said I just need to take it easy for a few weeks and I should be fine. That's all fine and dandy, but how am I supposed to exercise without being able to use my knee? It hurts to walk/bike, etc, so that's out. I can obviously not do any strength training with my knee (and that's fine), I can still do upper body stuff. But, as far as cardio - I'm at a loss (since I can't really walk/run/bike etc). Has anybody else had this problem? Anybody have any other ideas of how to exercise?
  • Maybe you can try water exercises? It takes weight off your knee. Is there an inside swimming pool somewhere at a gym? Maybe you can sign up for a water exercise class. If not, I have Degenerative Disc Disease (back problem), my physical therapy place had a water treadmill that I used to work out on (when I couldn't walk on my own, was using a walker!). So maybe you could try one of those places? Just a few suggestions!
  • I'm sorry to hear about your knee injury. I have ankle and knee problems and I understand the frustration of being told to rest when you're trying to lose weight and get fit. I would talk to your doctor about doing water aerobics. You're basically weightless which puts no pressure on your joints while working out. Hope this helps.