cross trainers

[Norrin Radd]

as i have been off with a bad knee now for much longer than i would want my weight has ballooned and my fitness has just totally disintegrated to nothing ,i really need to do something that isnt going to impact on my knee ,ie jogging so thought a cross trainer would be a way to get some stamina back and maybe help shed a couple of unwanted stone.
anyone had any experience of a cross trainer and would they benefit me in any way.?
cycling isnt an option as i dont like bike riding these days ,far too much traffic about so far too dangerous imo.
swimming is another no go as i cant swim ,i have been very close to drowning twice and now have an inherent fear of entering the water now.
so is a cross trainer beneficial to my needs?
over to you guys

 

[Bunkermagnet]

How about skipping?

 

[spongebob59]

Get some professional advice :thup:

 

[Jacko_G]

I know you did say you had a fear of water however have you ever considered aqua aerobics?

Guy I worked with did this on advice of his doctor to strengthen his knee after a bad motorcycle accident and three separate surgeries. He swore by it as an exercise and body conditioner. It can be done in water waist deep.

Sorry never used a cross trainer.

 

[Chisteve]

Ive go one

Bloody good work out and not high impact - I brought mine second hand eBay

It's quite large with a electronically controlled flywheel Tunturi and takes up a fair bit of space

Would recommend

 

[pokerjoke]

I use one all the time and I would say after getting medical advice if you feel you need advice a cross trainer is a very good option for a non impact exercise.

The good thing about them is they have many settings so you can start very easy and build up.

 

[Grogger]

As chisteve has said they're not high impact which is a great benefit to a lot of people. Running absolutley destroys my calfs, shins and knees so I always go for the cross trainer when I'm in the gym.

 

[DCB]

If you're starting from scratch pool based activity would be an ideal way to start. Get one of these, and you'll be fine in the water. Ideal way to allow you to carry out a variety of exercises whilst still feeling safe in the water. I started pool exercises 4 months after serious spinal surgery and used it to help me get back moving around again. Pool also takes less out of the body the water is supporting the weight. Lots of activities can also be done with a 'pool noodle float' using the water as a resistance.

Professional advice from a good rehab physio will be invaluable at this stage. I worked out a good programme with my physio as I started out and it helped no end. Hope you find something that helps.

 

[jp5]

Would recommend getting swimming lessons - never too old and no shame in learning at an older age. If anyone has a problem with it that's their shortcomings and not yours!

 

[Jensen]

I had a cross trainer for a number of years and used it regularly, I used to burn off 400 calories per 40 mins. However after getting more serious about swimming I sold it. I now swim twice per week for 40 mins each time.
Swimming has got me far fitter and trimmer than the cross trainer did.
I agree maybe get some swimming lessons, you're never too old, in fact there's adults being taught where I swim. Alternatively some water based activity in waist high water.
I empathise about your anxiety

 

[gregers]

stop gorging you fat fooker,:lol:

get an exercise bike,park it in front of the tv,after a while your forget your using it.
once youve built up enough muscle tone in your knee,start using your staircase as a stepper,use the hand rail
as a support.

how did your walk go today?

 

[fundy]

cross trainer caused me more problems with my knee when I used one, was advised that a bike was the better option than a cross trainer for anyone with a knee injury

 

[jtx sim cross]

Cross trainers are pretty good for building stamina, but as others have said there's plenty of other ways too. If you're short on time and have a local gym they can be great, but usually part of a wider fitness routine.

I love mine, but went for a home gym, so that's only really an option if you are sure you're going to stick at it and it makes more sense than ongoing gym membership fees.