Weight Loss Advice Needed?!
Question:
Weight Loss Advice Needed?
After many years playing basketball my knees and my ankles are horrible.
I've broken/sprained my ankles numerous times and my knees are just as painful...I've been to doctors and have been put on pain medication.
Now, I'm a tad bit overweight (but not horribly overweight)...I can play many sports without getting winded or tired... but the result is always aching ankles and knees. This keeps me from being as active as I once was.
What exercises can I do (that are specifically geared towards losing fat) that won't wreak havoc on my ankles or knees?
Answers:
What you are looking for is low and middle impact exercise with high intensity. This type of exercise is easy on your joints, but burns lots of calories and will make you sweat.
Swimming is the best thing I can think of. It is total body exercise, and water provides great resistance. It provides strenth training, flexibility, and cardio all in one. You burn a lot of calories through swimming when you first start out. As you get stronger, the cardio benefits tend to wear off. Don't swim hard, because that will hurt your joints, swim longer and build endurance.
Other low-impact exercises (some will require gym equipment): hiking, walking on an incline, stair-stepping or climbing stairs, bicycling, aerobic dance, jogging, elliptical machines, yoga, pilates, etc.