water aerobics

[Tri Girl]

When I injured my knee 2 years ago (in the middle of marathon training), I had to water-run until it healed. It not only helped maintain my running fitness, but it kept me in running shape when I couldn't put any pounding weight on that knee. They had flotation belts at the gym and I just put one on and "ran" up and down the length of the pool ad nauseum. It was boring, but good for me. Depending on the rec. from your doc, I'd think water walking would be a good alternative or even kicking w/the kickboard- like Southern Belle suggested. Water aerobics can be a good workout- depending on the instructor. You can always make it lower impact so you get a good workout, but don't aggravate your knee.
I'm such a believer in water fitness. Anything in the water is bound to keep you limber/strong while keeping weight/pressure off those nagging bits.

[Torrilin]

If you don't know how to swim at all, I'd start there. You'll feel safer in the pool that way. You'll also *be* safer.

If you can already swim (or after you've learned) try things out to see what you like best. I prefer lap swimming, and find water walking and water aerobics pretty tedious. You may be different tho.

Just keep in mind that anything you do in the water will be under resistance and probably at a lower temperature than you're used to. Even a lot of heated pools are kept around 70-75 F, so it can be easy to get chilled if you don't keep moving. And outdoor pools may be open even if the water is 60 F. Swimming and other forms of water exercise can be *very* hard workouts, but if the water temperature is low you might not feel like it was.