Leg exercises/cardio for knackered legs

[Almondmum]

I'm taking a break from running for a couple of weeks due to a painful Achilles.

My knees are also hurting.

I'm going to replace the runs with extra gym sessions but struggling to find cardio/leg exercises that don't make the injuries worse. Cross trainer today hurt my Achilles. Rower yesterday hurt my knee...

I can squat with low weights/bodyweight only with no or very little knee pain

Anyone got any good suggestions or shall I just stick to core/upper body for a while?

Oh and I can bear swimming in the winter - I realise that would be ideal but I think I'd rather just get unfit!

how would cycling be for you? roller skating? ice skating?

what is it that makes your legs squeaky? is it injury or joint issues?

can you focus on core exercises and walking until you can get back to your usual exercise? 'active' walking (keeping core activated) can be surprisingly hard work.

I could give cycling a whirl actually. I'll dust off the bike..I think I'd be a liability on any sort of skates!

Unfortunately the walking also hurts my Achilles. I don't think it's anything serious - my Achilles has been sore before and always resolves with a bit of rest. It's the knees on top of it that seem to be removing other exercise options! I think that's probably muscular/sore tendons rather than joints.

Thanks!

Body pump using only body weight for the squat and leg tracks?

You could do a calisthenics routine leg lefts for instance

I have a chronic knee problem (which will only resolve when it's replaced). My lovely consultant says swimming and cycling as they don't put pressure through the knees but do strengthen the muscles around the knee. When he told me that I should only run in an emergency I could have hugged him 😂(also don't do squats as my knee will lock and then I'm stuck!)

ski erg

Thanks all! You've given me some good ideas. Don't know anything about calisthenics but my gym does pilates classes which could work. There's also a ski erg which would help with cardio.

I have actually been doing body pump but body weight only for the legs tracks. The knee feels ok doing that but I'll stop if it doesn't for sure.

Cycling also seems the way forward.

I have had achilles problems in the past and the physio okayed cycling, walking and swimming while I got the achilles back into shape.

I would just use machines at the gym for lower body with these issues.

Have you seen a physiotherapist? They can advise. And help you work out why you’re injured. Some careful slow strengthening of the muscles around the knee and a stretching and mobility routine for your calves and ankle might be needed.