Cardio Exercises for Knees
By Emily Kolar, PT, DPT
Cardio Exercise for Bad Knees
Everyone needs cardio! Cardiovascular exercise is vital for health and wellness. But how do you get cardio exercise if you have bad knees? Well, there are plenty of options to allow you to get your heart pumping without pounding those bad knees. If you have knee arthritis, knee pain, or any other knee problems, you need to read this list of options to help you find the right cardio exercise for you and your bad knees.
What Are Low Impact Cardio Exercises for Bad Knees?
The quick answer is low impact cardio exercises are exercises that get you moving with less force on the knees. We have laid out some of the best options so that you can get moving and get healthy.
Swimming
Image of Swimmer
Swimming is a great form of exercise that does not cause a lot of impact on the knees. But even if you can’t swim laps, there are other options for exercise in the pool. Pool exercises are a form of cardiovascular exercise that utilizes buoyancy and is less compressive on the joints in the body.
- Aquatic classes at your local health club or fitness center
- Water aerobics; routines, movements, weights
- Different swimming strokes; freestyle, backstroke, butterfly
- Walking
- Stepping forward/backward/sideways
- Marching
- Bringing knees to chest
- Aquatic Rehabilitation / Aquatic Physical Therapy
Bicycle
Bicycling for cardio
Cycling is a continuous revolution of pedaling in a circular motion. This limits the compressive forces on the knee because there is not a quick load of body weight.
- Stationary bike; recumbent or upright;
- Pedaling forward/backward
- Pedaling 1/2 revolutions if full revolution is painful
- Outdoor bicycle;
Pedals
Stationary moveable pedals contain only the pedals and not the seat.
- Can be used for legs and arms
- Forward/backward pedaling
Elliptical
An upright machine that resembles a bike with legs going in an elliptical motion without a seat.
- legs forward/backward pedaling
- arms handles
Upper Extremity Ergometer
Bicycle or pedals for arms that resistance can be added
- Forward/backward pedaling
Rowing machine
Upper extremity rowing and lower extremity muscle recruitment.
Treadmill
- Walking
- Incline / Decline
Walking on the treadmill is low impact in that it does not load the knee as much as running. But it does still provide some compressive forces and may not be appropriate for those with severe knee issues.
Is Walking One of Easy Cardio Exercises for Bad Knees?
Walking causes forces of approximately 1.5 – 3 times your body weight to the knee joint, and for every additional pound gained it will then multiply the forces 2 -3 times the force. On the other hand, every additional pound loss will decrease the amount of force transmitted through the knee joint. Walking is good if the knee problems are not too severe. For severe knee problems, other low-impact exercises listed above may be a better option.
Start with lower impact activities and progress to higher impact activities with time and training as tolerated. To schedule with JOI Rehab for Physical Therapy, please call 904-858-7045.
If you would like to learn more about the knee, watch this video on the Anatomy of the Knee. Other related knee articles:
What if My Knees Hurt with Low Impact Cardio Exercises?
Cardio exercises are important. If you have knee pain that limits you from doing even low-impact cardio exercise, it’s time to get help! The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute offers the area’s largest and most comprehensive care to help with your bad knees. If your knees are keeping you from healthy exercise, let us help you.
To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Knee Doctor, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.
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