Exercise to replace running

[Coco H]

I was fond of running, very fond. I started in January 2012 and built up from a couple of hundred metres to 5 miles.
Since the sacro-illiac joint problem, I have been advised by the physio and the consultant someone who specialised in rehabilitation of sports injuries not to run again.
Of course I had a few sneaky tries, the pain the next day is pretty horrid.

So I need to replace running. The trouble is I used to run with the dog. Is walking fast as good exercise as running? I don't need to be too fit as I no longer compete at anything.

I can cycle and have a road bike and exercise bike. I can't cope with swimming right now as it's a long drive away.

[Regiment]

Cycling and swimming would be your best exercises, I'm not familiar with your condition but these two would definitely take a lot of the weight off of your joints.

[mattikake]

I can't imagine anything is going to be comfortable with an SIJ issue. Must be in early stages?

Get a recumbant cycle - a 3 wheeler jobby. Probably even better on your SIJ and you can have a dog running alongside without having to worry about speed or balance.

[StuH]

I've also had to give up running due to the joint impact. I've found rowing on the Concept2 to be the only exercise that gets my heart rate going to the same extent as running, and it stresses the whole body like running does, unlike cycling. I also find improving my PB's for 2k, 5km and 10km a real incentive to push myself during sessions.

I also walk on the treadmill at a 15% incline, at around 6.5 km/h, with arms pumping this really helps keep your legs and core in good shape.

[Coco H]

I am allowed to cycle. Though I can't face the dropped bars on my road bike so might just try the hybrid instead.


The joint was a lot better (after 6 weeks on crutches and an hour of physio exercises a day). However, I have had to carry children, sacks of chicken feed etc etc since then and it's got worse again. Not awful and not helped by the chair at my new job. The back support thing is not hard enough.

[944fan]

Regiment said:

Cycling and swimming would be your best exercises, I'm not familiar with your condition but these two would definitely take a lot of the weight off of your joints.

Again don't know about the condition but when I injured my tibial tendon I switched to swimming and cycling. Both are very low impact and I actually prefer them to running. No pain and got a more varied workout.

Easing back into running now, but going to do tris to keep the swimming and cycling going also.

[awooga]

I get pretty bored doing most solo exercise indoors - hated the recovery phase and rehab after I'd trashed my achilles. I couldn't stand being on the rower or a bike indoors for more than 20 minutes - so I did 20 mins on both and did interval training on them. Classes are different though - can you get into spinning or kettlebell classes for example, if it's not too sore?

[Tumbler]

I dropped the running due to a torn gastronemus, I now hill walk over longer distances, the only down side it the extra time involved, but the dog doesn't seem to mind. I would say I feel fitter than I did when running.

[tuffer]

I am not sure your local swimming pool will allow the dog in so it looks like cycling is your best bet. What about a cross trainer / stepper in the garage?

[E38Ross]

OP where are you based?

[E38Ross]

OP where are you based?

[Coco H]

tuffer said:

I am not sure your local swimming pool will allow the dog in

I am in the flats of East Anglia so hill walking is somewhat challenging. My physio suggested nordic pole walking. I am struggling with the concept.

[throt]

Coco H said:

I am in the flats of East Anglia so hill walking is somewhat challenging. My physio suggested nordic pole walking. I am struggling with the concept.

I would use a good quality eplictical cross trainer. I have a Life Fitness one and its great. A concept rower will be no good for your injury, not for a long time anyway.

[Red 4]

Cycling - on a more upright bike - mountain bike or hybrid.

Running won't be good for your SI joint - it acts as a shock absorber for the spine. You've probably damaged the ligaments which support the joint - the joint is viscoelastic meaning the movement in the joint comes from giving and stretching of the ligaments. If the ligaments become slack the joint can become hypermobile and lock (out of place) - very, very painful.

Swimming would be next, then walking.

[Mojooo]

How about kettlebells - they are good for cardio - swings in particular

Not sure how that affects your condition - swings require some working of the knee and hip joints but not a simpactful as running.

[Van Diesel]

Nordic Walking in Hinchingbrooke Park in Huntingdon.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nordic-Walking-Camb...