Quote Originally Posted by skeskali View Post
Hi all,

A few years ago, I lost a whopping amount of weight - 150 pounds. Since then, I tore my medial meniscus, had knee surgery, discovered I had osteoarthritis (my surgeon says I have the knees of a 55 year old woman), and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I've gained back a lot of the weight I lost, but managed to keep off 60 of what I lost by sheer cussedness.

My doctors all want me to try to take off at least 10% of my present weight, and I'm game to give it another go, but all of the exercises I used to enjoy - running, boot camps, high impact plyometrics, even some forms of weight training - are off the table. They're recommending I start swimming, but I'm terrified of water.

Can any of you recommend a good training regimen that I can start out with that isn't super tough, but that will challenge me and help me shed some weight? I don't need to do it quickly, just consistently. And it needs to be fun. Thanks in advance!
I have osteo and rheumatoid arthritis also and about two years ago turned to biking to give myself the exercise I needed without the impact that comes with other forms of exercise. I cycled since I was a kid but someplace in my mid to late 30s it went by the wayside with a busy life. I can't begin to explain how much happier, healthier and fitter I have become in the last two years. My flexibility and strength have increased and my weight has decreased. The best part of all of this is that it's fun!

The best training regime I can suggest is to just keep riding, it might be slow going at first but stamina and endurance come quickly. Try to ride daily even for a few minutes. A few blocks will turn into a couple of miles and before you know it those 2-3 mile rides will turn into 5-10. Once you ride longer you'll need a day or two off per week but for now just try to ride as much as you are able to.

I've had replacement surgery on my left knee and find walking difficult due to my right knee problems. That will all be fixed soon as I have scheduled surgery for my right knee in a few weeks. However I am able to bike even though I don't walk well. It can be done!