“My knees hurt when I walk,” my patients would say.” They creak and swell.”
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I heard about painful knees and observed them. Ouch!
Benefits of Biking
Recumbent bikes provide less stress on our knees. A rough equivalent for each mile ridden is 440 steps. Moderate resistance brings cardiac benefits as well as less pain when joints are “lubricated.”
Exercise increases positive brain chemicals which potentiate improve mood. Biking uses abdominal and leg muscles. Stationary bikes sometimes pair reciprocal arm movements in conjunction with biking. Distributing the workload between arms and legs gives all four limbs a “fair” workout.
Benefits of Walking
Improved stamina, strengthening of spinal and limb muscles, cardiac output, emotional lift, and calorie control are benefits of walking. Enhancement of bone health may improve osteopenia (reduced bone mass)or osteoporosis. Walking in the water reduces sheer on the joints.
Seek Healthcare Provider
Your physical therapist or other licensed practitioners can evaluate your current readiness for exercise, as they work with other professionals to provide a plan which helps you.