What do you fitness gurus say? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

NancyH · 04-03-2002, 11:07 PM

Lately my knees have been killing me. I walk the treadmill at least 45 minutes 5 days a week and sometimes twice in a day (so I can go with my hubby)I try to run 1 minute runs at 4.5mph at least three times in a 45 minute walk. I go about 3.6 or 3.7mph on average. When I do run it is like lifting dead weight now. Could I have overdone it with the knees? I'm no spring chicken but heck I've been on this walking program since Sept, I should be getting better at it not falling apart.

Naxis · 04-04-2002, 08:15 AM

It's possible that it may be too much impact, but it sounds like you have been doing this for a while and 1 minutes runs at 4.5 mph isn't really that heavy as far as impact on joints is concerned. Bearing in mind that I am not a doctor, I would advise this: take a couple days off to let your knees do a little recovering and try some non or less impact exercising like swimming or stationary bike. You might consider changing footwear and/or check how you are walking/running. You may be putting excessive stress on your knees without knowing it. If after a week or so, your knees don't improve, you might want to get a physician's advice, in the event that it may be symptoms of a larger issue. Good luck!

NancyH · 04-04-2002, 08:11 PM

Thanks Naxis, today I just walked at a 3.6 for 50 minutes and no light runs and the knees didn't hurt as much like they did when I ran, I watched in the mirrors for my posture and it was straight and also when I do walk I do real short steps so I'm not lifitng my legs as high, can you still get a good workout that way?

NancyH · 04-04-2002, 08:15 PM

I forgot to mention, doing the stationary bike is a killer for my sciatica, I can handle all of 5 minutes before the pain gets too bad, I'm also scared of water even in a club setting so water aerobics is out for me. So I have to solve the knee problem so I can continue to walk right?

Naxis · 04-05-2002, 08:46 AM

Absolutely... so long as you pay attention to the cues your body gives you, you should be fine. If they start to hurt again, you know to drop intensity for a while. best of luck!