Alternatives for running?

[samoram]

I love running, i currently run 6 days a week, for 35 mins first thing in the morning as I am trying to lose body fat.

but its a little heavy on the joints (i do have a good road running shoes) & i have a eno-meso body type, my calf's are massive, they blow up with muscle, i would like to rotate my morning runs with different kinds of cardio for a better body balance, like rowing machine or some thing, work my arms shoulders instead of always my legs, u know.

any suggestions for different kinds of morning cardio?

wb thanks!

[- v e t -]

I love running, i currently run 6 days a week, for 35 mins first thing in the morning as I am trying to lose body fat.

but its a little heavy on the joints (i do have a good road running shoes) & i have a eno-meso body type, my calf's are massive, they blow up with muscle, i would like to rotate my morning runs with different kinds of cardio for a better body balance, like rowing machine or some thing, work my arms shoulders instead of always my legs, u know.

any suggestions for different kinds of morning cardio?

wb thanks!

any kind of calisthenic/aerobic workout should suffice...

do some plyometrics or similar for the same amount of time....

do some high rep circuit training

[Mr. Mark]

As much as I don't want to sound like an advertisement commercial for over-the counter pills, "please be sure to consult with your physician before attempting any of the following":

1) You may want to consider using an "elliptical trainer," especially since you're complaining about joint-pain while running.

When you're using an elliptical, there's virtually no strain on any of your joints and you get just as much of a benefit cardiovascular-wise as you do with running. Not to mention, you burn just as many calories.

Now, I'm not sure if what I'm about to mention's true or not, but I read an article somewhere online that says elliptical trainers are even "better" than running in terms of burning calories and developing endurance because it actually "tricks" your heart into believing that you're not fatigued (you may want to ask a professional about that one).

2) Jumping-rope at different speeds with different kinds of footwork is not only great for endurance, but it also develops focus, coordination and timing. If you've never jump-roped, start basic, you'll eventually reach a point where it becomes so easy that you start incorporating all kinds of new tricks and routines..

3) Interval-training. If you're still willing to run despite having joint pain, you may want to try running in intervals which is not only scientifically proven to be more beneficial in terms of developing more endurance and more endurance quickly, but it also burns more calories and it burns calories quicker.

But if you're no longer willing to run, you can still incorporate interval training on an elliptical.

Interval training cuts down your running time to somewhere around 50-60 percent which means less strain on your joints while saving time. It should generally take no more time than 10-15 minutes.

You should incorporate interval training no more than 3 days a week. That goes for every elite athlete.

As a side-note, I'd just like to mention a few ways that I was able rid myself of the pain I had on my joints (in particular my knees) while running:

1) I temporarily had to use a "knee-strap" which was recommended to me by my chiropractor (You may want to make an appointment with one as well). It definitely gave me relief in terms of comfort while running and kicking.

2) I started running uphill (which is also considered to be anaerobic strength training). It not only increases your strength in terms of muscle and heart, but I noticed that over time, my joints got stronger and I no longer had to wear a knee-strap.

Lastly, "When you ask God for something in Jesus name, pray as though you've already received it, and you will receive it."

- somewhere in the Holy Bible

If you've yet to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, that passage won't apply to you. So please check out the following: http://g0dlovesyou.blogspot.com/


Peace.

[- v e t -]

2) I started running uphill (which is also considered to be anaerobic strength training). It not only increases your strength in terms of muscle and heart, but I noticed that over time, my joints got stronger and I no longer had to wear a knee-strap.

this has pretty much been proven by science too

if you have stiff/sore knees, hips and or ankles, the more weight you put on them (in a supervised controlled manner) the more "lubricant" your body will release to "oil" the joints



studies show that doing squats, leg presses, lunges etc can increase lower joint mobility

[Frighteous]

Swim......