cardio help plz!

I have three damaged discs in my back and the only cardio I can think to do is swimming. I want a little more variety with my excersice. I cannot afford to join a gym. Walking/ running irritates my back. Any thoughts on what else I can do that is low impact cardio? Thanks!

What about biking?  That's a great workout.

yeah, a co-worker of mine bought one of those pedals exerise thing and has it under her desk so when she is working on something not needed her fully concentration she places her feet on it and and away she goes.   Not sure what kinds of work out it is but it is something different than swimming, and you place it in front of your tv too.

can walk at a slow to moderate rate for ten minutes,  I just read this article in First, Issue 4/20/09. about moderate walking for ten minutes (3 x a day) is actually better for you to lose weight than power walking.

Stretching programs like yoga and Pilates improve strength and flexibility, and offer relief of acute pain in your leg and low back. Your doctor may also prescribe dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises. This program features exercises that work the abdominal and back muscles to address posture, flexibility, and strength.

Walking, biking, swimming [with dr's ok] should be good for you.  Just avoid the temptation of lying on your back bc of any discomfort because your muscles need conditioning to aid the recovery process. If you forgo exercise and physical activity, your body may not respond to treatment as well as it could.

BIKING is not good if you are having back problems. I would stay away from it. Pilates and yoga i would also advise against. See a physical therapist to correct the strength issues in your back prior to engaging activites that could potentially make you prone to injury.

Here is a little more info about me, maybe that will help. me T7,8,9 discs are damaged. Walking or running really irritates it and it hurts. I was also told by my doctor to avoid yoga (which I did for a year, and loved doing it) because I was damaging my joints, they are overly flexible.

I thought about biking but was unsure. Does anyone else who has back problems do that and can you tell me if it helps or hurts you?

My doctor suggested I try Tai Chi (sp), does anyone know of a good tape I could by in order to learn it?

Any other seggestions for alternitave cardio will be much appreciated! Thanks for all the great ideas!

I injured a disk in my lower back after falling off a scaffold at work. Now i continuously get pains down my legs. I personally found running really hard because i would get sharp back pain after about 10mins. Biking i found to be easier on my back because theres less vibrations going up my spine. I still get pains while biking, because when biking you are ussaly hunched over a bit. I found my exercycle great because i can sit up straight (not needing to reach over for the handle bars) As well as watch t.v.

You may find walking on an impact resistant track or treadmill with ortho belt to be something that might work.

Original Post by epona1769:

I thought about biking but was unsure. Does anyone else who has back problems do that and can you tell me if it helps or hurts you?

Find a picture of someone on a bike, then picture someone sitting in a chair with their spine in the same position as the person on the bike's.  Does it seem like something that would be good for back pain? 

I can only speak for myself, but here goes.  I don't think I've been comfortable on a bike since I was a kid.  I have at least 4 "bulging" disks (2 lumbar and 2 cervical).  My lower back always hurt when I have tried to bike -- but I have to admit I never gave it much of a shot and I really don't enjoy it. 

When my back is bothering me (like this past week) I take it easy and don't do much exercise. When my back is not bothering me I walk/jog on my treadmill, play on my Wii, and lift heavy weights. 

I have less back problems than I used to since I have lost some weight and started getting more fit.  The back pain I have now is from sleeing wrong on my couch last weekend. I think it's hilarious that I can lift heavy weights and do miles on my treadmill with out messing up my back, but a nap jaacks it up for a solid week or more. 

Just throwing this out there for something to consider.  If you think you might want to try biking, remember that there are many types/styles of bicycles.  There are recumbents and cruisers, for two quick examples of bicycles that do not put you in the 'hunched over' position that so many people seem to associate with bike riding.  Recumbents are more supportive of one's back, and cruisers keep you upright. 

Consult with your doctor or PT for advice on if biking on a 'non-traditional' bike might help instead of hurt, and go to a bike shop and test ride some different models.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do!!

i agree with the yoga suggestions.  its basically just a nice long stretching session, but boy is it a great weight loss workout! i think youll get what youre looking for out of it. rent a dvd from the library, no gym membership required!

Tai Chi and yoga I  *think* would be more strength training than cardio.

I know that a gym is expensive, but maybe you can join the gym at the local community college. They're usually cheaper and you can swim a couple days a week. I wouldn't risk damage and swimming is so relaxing and powerful (I do it twice a week or so). 

As for strength training, I'm with the others...wip out your blockbuster card and rent workout dvds until you find one that works for you.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions! I will definetly look into the different bikes, maybe I can find a used one! I wanted to have all my ducks in a row before I talked to my pt, but maybe she will have some more suggestions for cardio. Thanks again!

Karozel, I know exactly what you mean, if I dont lay on my side with knees slightly bent I am really sore in the morning lol like this morning.

bigguy, I injured mine at work also, trying to pull a board cart over a spider cord. What is it that you do for a living? I am a union carpenter.

dave98z3 I never would have thought of that, thanks!

Original Post by floggingsully:

Original Post by epona1769:

I thought about biking but was unsure. Does anyone else who has back problems do that and can you tell me if it helps or hurts you?

Find a picture of someone on a bike, then picture someone sitting in a chair with their spine in the same position as the person on the bike's.  Does it seem like something that would be good for back pain? 

RECUMBENT BIKE!!!!!! Suitable for bad backs!!!!!