Knee problems - wanting an elliptical

Elipticals do put pressure on your knees,because of the skiing/running motion. I use elipticals at the gym alot and when I first started using them I could barely last 5 mins. If you're having knee issues I'd suggest something less pressure wise,maybe a stationary/recumbant bike? Unfortunately there aren't many cardio machines available for something like this. Treadmills would work better too just don't use a high incline. I have a personal trainer and I did wreck my knee last year,he told me i could still do the treadmill and not to do the eliptical. Good luck!

The impact from walking on my treadmill causes me to have knee pain in both of my knees.  I have a recumbant bike that gives me a great workout and is so much easier on my knees.  I would suggest that you talk to a professional that knows your knee problems or a physical therapist before investing in a machine that you may not be able to use.  I would also ask what features you should look for in a machine if you can speak with a physical therapist.  Hope your knee gets better.

I had surgery in 1986 and as I get older, the knee problems have worsened.  My doctor told me that I will never be able to use a treadmill again.  (My knee has little between the knee and shin bone). It is important for you to speak to your doctor about what you should/shouldn't do.  That said, I can tell you without a doubt that I love the ellipticals. I use a knee brace for support during workouts.  The elliptical doesn't put alot of pressure on my knees and I'm able to get a good workout.  When I feel a little discomfort either on the front or back of my knee, I simply move my body slightly forward or back (you'll feel it) and the discomfort goes away.  I would recommend an elliptical...I would also recommend starting off slowly so that you build up your leg muscles to support your knee, then build up to a workout that meets your needs.  Good luck!

I had knee surgery back in 2003.  Since then I have had multiple stints in physical therapy.  One thing I am always told is to get off of the tredmill and buy an elliptical as they are one of the best workouts you can get without any impact on your joints.  I have used them in therapy many times and they are wonderful!  One word of advice however, make sure you try out whichever model you are looking to purchase.  The stride size can vary making some of them more difficult to use if you are rather tall or short (I'm on the shorter side).  Best of luck to you!

I recommend getting an elliptical because it is low impact and great for your joints; however, I do not recommend buying an elliptical from Sears. I bought my Proform Strideclimber xp 600 from Sears two years ago and I have used it a total of maybe 6 months (not because I was too lazy to use, but because it was constantly breaking down). The metal leg frame broke on me within the first 6 months. That repair was free, but soon after that was replaced, the leg roller broke. I was told that the roller was not covered by the warranty. They would not order a roller for me unless I paid an $96 dollar come out and look at it fee. I would also have to pay a $63 dollar part fee and a $100 labor fee. Talk about getting ripped off. So, to avoid paying all of those fees I went to the Proform site and order the roller and replaced it myself. I have had to replace 3 rollers since then (all at a whopping 60 bucks a piece). After all of those replacements the bottom supports of the of the metal frame broke, letting me know that although the manual of the Proform strideclimber 600 xp elliptical state very clearly that the machine supports up to 275lbs, that is a lie. I weigh 215 lbs. I had to put my own support on. The straw that broke the camels back is what happen as recently as last week. Two parts on  metal frame broke again. Again the part was free, but I payed $200 for the come out and look at it fee and labor. The Sears service man fix the elliptical on friday, the piece of sh*t broke again Saturday. The whole leg came off. If my reflexes were not good, I would have seriously hurt myseft. I called Sears to complain and all they told me was that I would have to pay ANOTHER come out and look at it fee and labor charge if I wanted to get it fix. I am soooo ****** off. An elliptical is a good machine for your knees, but please do not purchase it from Sears

I have not bought an Ellipitcal trainer yet but have been "trying them on".  One thing I have found is that each machine is different; you cannot buy off the "TV" ads as each machine may or may not irritate your hip and/or knee joints.  You must find the one that is perfect for you and I think have.  I'll be purchasing it in the next few days but first I will visit it 2 more times, try it out again.  I'm convinced this is the only machine for full cardio/lower body strength training.  I'm 71 and my body needs help.

IMO, you can always walk but you can't elliptical.  But, you can ride a bicycle, a real bicycle which gives you balance as well has strengthen you calves, knees & thighs.  Go for those 2 choices, try to stay away from the treadmill.  Just my opinion.

I suggest you try out some machines at a health club before purchasing. Many offer a free trial before committing to a membership or maybe you have a friend that could give you a guest pass. Be aware that gym equipment is usually of a higher standard than that sold in stores. Ellipticals and steppers are especially hard on the joints, whereas treadmills and bikes can give an adequate cardio exercise. If you are looking to increase flexibility, yoga would be your best bet. Perhaps your park district or YMCA offers classes?