Knees & training

imported
#1

Have any of you used the precor elipticcal trainer for arobics. How are the results. Any knee problems with it?

frank lawkins

#2

Frank:
My husband and I are training for the AT 2006 thru hike. My brother has a PhD in Physical Education and he has worked out a plan for me. I hurt my knee in Dec. 2004 in an accident which cancelled my trip in 2005. He said that the elliptical trainer takes the stress off of the knee and should be used. The tread mill with varying degrees of levels at 3 mph for an hour or more with a steep change in the level toward the end as fast and steep as you can go for approximately 3-5 minutes then lower the level and cool down. The stair stepper was also a good choice, but to vary whatever you do to train different muscles. He cautioned about doing all of the training in the gym, while it was recommended, he said that in the PE world that you need to get the exercise as close to the event as possible. He said to go out and walk up and down a small hill for 30 minutes or an hour wearing your pack. This trains different muscles. In my case the elliptical trainer will be used after using the tread mill to take some of the stress off of my recovering knee. He also suggested that I swim the crawl stroke for at least one hour a day. I found a culvert here in Texas that will provide me with a rather steep incline and the dirt sides of the water way will also be a good training ground. Have a nice hike. Maybe we will see you there. We are starting in April, but the date isn’t firm. Sometime between the 1st and 15th. I hope this helps you.

Margaret

#3

I hyper-extended my knee on a hike and the doctor told me to do knee extensions everyday to strengthen it. I also wear a knee brace on the trail. Hope this helps!

Emily

#4

I developed an overuse syndrome while section hiking in March, thought it had healed, only to hurt it worse on another hike in April. This time I went to the doctor and ended up in physical therapy. Rehab and the time to do so is key. Try to stay away from a brace unless the doctor tells you to use one. Braces are like crutches, they don’t fix the problem they only hide it. Strengthen the muscles around you knee and make sure your flexibility is where it should be. For me I hurt my illiotibial band, so I carry a strap with me just in case I start to feel a flare up so that I can put it on, but if I can hike without it, I go with that option first. Regardless, good luck with everything!

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