Alternatives to running?

[JustLetMeSleep]

Before I got pg with DD2 I used to run a few times a week, just for half an hour. I never loved it, but it was convenient and cheap. I've had lots of pelvis problems during pregnancy and postnatally, and my first attempt at running at the weekend triggered a lot of pain for several days after. I've had physio and the pain was gone before that so it's a real downer to have it come back after months of being pain free. I really want to get fit again - what alternatives to running are there which I can do fairly easily and in about half an hour a few times a week?

[LJBanana]

I love spinning, the classes are high energy, intense and last about 45 minutes. I'm not sure how you would handle the pelvis pain so it might be something to ease into, as it's sitting on the saddle and the rising and sitting back in the saddle and squat positions might be painful at first. I had mild pelvis pains with dc2 and left it about 6 months post birth to go back. This time my pelvis feels like it's come apart so may leave it a little longer.

[NinetyNinePercentTroll]

Swimming?

Rowing is good too. Low impact band work lots of muscle groups

[NinetyNinePercentTroll]

And not band!

[BlueChampagne]

How about regular cycling, which actually gets you out in the fresh air like running?

[JustLetMeSleep]

Thank you all. I can't ever manage to get to a class on time, but I do love swimming so am thinking I just have to get organised and try to go more regularly. It just doesn't feel like 'work' like running does. Cycling is a good idea too, and I've realised DD2 can go in a bike seat now so maybe we could do some trips by bike.

[Suzannewithaplan]

running is less energy efficient (per distance) than walking.

Walking uphill (depending on speed and gradient)can come close to slow running in terms of energy demand per distance.

walking is beneficial, but it wont get you to the same level of cardio vascular fitness that running will.

[LyndaCartersBigPants]

I was going to say walking/power walking as that will put less strain on joints etc than running, but can still be a good workout and is just as convenient and free.

[JustLetMeSleep]

I do go to a kind of aerobics / cross training class once a week too, so maybe if I walk, do the class and swim once a week that will be enough. I do yoga at home most days too, just ten mins or so. And am hoping to try climbing soon, and we plan to get a trampoline, so I guess that's lots of options. Plus videos at home if I can't manage to get out. I always just think running is necessary to stay for somehow, but hope it's not true!