Low impact alternatives

I have just started circuit training in lieu of running or aerobic videos due to plantar fascitis/ tendonitis.  I'm having a hard time coming up with exercises to get my heart rate up that don't involve jumping eg jumping rope, running in place, jumping jacks.  Any suggestions for low impact exercises that will kick my butt?

Do you have access to a gym, 

exercise bike and or rowing machines are great.  I love Bikram yoga it burns as many calories as running for 90 minutes, you get a great aerobic workout and sweat tons!

enjoy.

I have some equipment at home.  (The gyms in this small mountain town charge $70/month for a membership!!)   I have a Total Trainer (the one from the Chuck Norris/ Christy Brinkley commercial LOL) and really nice cable weight machine.  I love yoga but maybe need some videos to just follow along.  I tend to be sort of lazy about it.   Never done Bikram.

Thanks for your reply!

Original Post by floggingsully:

enjoy.

Damn. Those will definitely kick your butt.

Do you have access to a YWCA or something similar?  They usually have an indoor pool and aqua aerobics classes that are very low impact and inexpensive.

I wish!  Population of my town is about 3,000.  Not big enough for a YMCA.  Only pool in town is at one of the $70/month gyms!  Good idea though...maybe i could use the hot tub at home! :)

One word.... Kettlebells....

If you can get them in your home and use them properly they are insane. try doing as many swings as possible in 2 minutes. Do shoulder press, one handed alternating swing.... so awesome!!

The best thing in the whole world for cardio without impact is swimming.  Seriously.  Public pool memberships are wicked cheap.  There is a learning curve for sure, you might want to take an adult swim class to get you started, but it just kicks so much ass.  Good on the joints, good for the heart, works upper and lower body, burns a crap load of calories if you're doing it properly.  Can't recommend it enough.

Original Post by floggingsully:

enjoy.

Yeah, complexes are awesome.  They'll get you lean and muscular (assuming your nutrition's in check) probably better than anything else.