Gutted running isn't working for me - alternatives?

[ChernobylFallout]

I started C25k a few months ago expecting to hate running - ended up loving it! Then a month or so in I did something painful to my knee and just can't run on it any more. Three months later I'm waiting for physio and an MRI scan - much better than it was, but still painful and gets worse after even a fairly short walk. I really need ideas for other exercise - swimming doesn't give me the same great feeling as running Please can anyone recommend an alternative lower impact exercise that's fun? I'm a lazy fucker naturally, and can't believe I loved running so much - I miss it 😭

Cycling, low impact and great when injured but you then run the strong risk of falling accordingly into triathlon and kissing goodbye to all your time and money.

Erm... I probably should have mentioned, I can't ride a bike! 😏😏😯 My balance is atrocious and it's terrifying 🙄

Swimming and use a float to kick if you can't do lengths doing front crawl or breast stroke bc of how you kick and your knee

How odd..I am the exact opposite! I did C25K and kept waiting for the runners buzz to kick in and it never did. I got fitter certainly but hated every sodding step and abandoned it as soon as I could plod 5K. Have recently started swimming and love it! Up to 42 lengths and come out of the pool buzzing. Actually look forward to it, rather than dreading it as I did with the running. Funny how we are all so different!!

I had sore knees when I did c25k and it was runners knee. Google it and some strengthening exercises. One is doing the sit against the wall.

Cycling using a tricycle? At least you'll be getting fresh air and exercise, whilst sitting!

How about kayaking - only strain in your knee would be getting in and out of the kayak - everything else is upper body, good for both cardio and strength

I can't ride a bike either OP due to dyspraxia. I started spin classes in January and love it! No risk of the bike going over! Could you give that a go or would that be too much for your knee?

this happened to me OP.
I had to rest it for a long time, and then got gradually back in to walking.
In the meantime we got a dog, so I now brisk walk the dog for 5 km every morning.
It isn't the same buzz as running, but I love being out in the fresh air etc. My knee still won't let me run, but walking is fine

Ooh - I hadn't thought of spin - thanks! I think my knee might be ok with that, and there are lots of classes quite locally. Kayaking also an option - done it recently with kids and enjoyed that. Thanks for all suggestions. According to my GP, it doesn't seem like runners knee; she thinks probably a meniscal tear MRI was supposed to be last week, but apparently the scanner has broken, and they don't know yet when it'll be fixed...

What about cycling on a stationary bike at the gym lol. Or pick one up on ebay. You havent got to balance then!!

Spin classes are sooo intense. Youll definitely get that great feeling after.

Bad luck, OP. I started running a year ago but often go on the cross-trainer at the gym instead. I do intervals and push myself, race a mate, stick headphones in and listen to a good story at steady pace, generally mix it up. It isn't as good as running especially outside but I am taking running very carefully as I am 52 and worry about my knees - this feels much lower impact but can really get the heart rate up and give you that lovely, exhausted buzzy feeling. I also do or have done circuits, boxing and other classes - people with dodgy knees just do something else instead of the jumping/high impact bits - it is very common.

Hill walking

A rowing machine. Tones your legs, arms, shoulders, back, bum and stomach.

Op, are you me?! I could have written your posts. I started running with C25K, loved and then injured my knee. Suspected meniscal tear too. Physio, consultant, MRI. The results showed I actually have an underlying chronic condition relating to the positioning of my knee cap which means I'm just never going to be a runner.

So, I waited a few months, did physio exercises and it got better. Then I joined a gym. It's been the best thing I've ever done. My knee is giving me no problems whatsoever. I got free PT sessions with my membership and they were great at recommending low impact exercises which would go easy on my fragile knee. I can use any price of equipment in the gym apart from the treadmill. It's not a hugely expensive membership either - £34 a month. So if this is something which is available to you then I cannot recommend it enough.

*any piece of equipment.

hi OP, I also have a dodgy knee, although it's ok at the moment. I agree, there's nothing like running for feeling that you've worked out.

For me I do like cycling -although make sure your seat is the right height as if it's too low that does put pressure on your knee. Other than that, I love yoga - vinyasa flow or ashtanga works and you'll get into a real sweat. You will have to ask for some modifications but the teacher has seen it all before. I love it! (I also don't particularly like swimming).

oh and kayaking very much fun, but not sure it's very aerobic!

Mine also a meniscal issue btw.

Other than that, I love yoga - vinyasa flow or ashtanga works and you'll get into a real sweat.

Oh yes. I do Ashtanga & the sense of achievement (& sweatiness) at the end of a class is HUGE! The teacher will give you adaptations for your knee & my balance isn’t great either, but I just hold onto the wall when I need to.

Skating is a low impact exercise and it gives the best high ever. I don't know how it would be for your knee though. My knees can be a bit achey at times and I have to be very careful when skating or skip a session at times.

Rowing. On the water. Do you live anywhere near a river? There's bound to be a rowing club with a "learn to row" course if you do.

Definitely give spin classes a go.