Does this forum ONLY respond to and help runners?????

Hi....   On May 25th I posted for the first time on this board.....I am disappointed at the lack of interest in my question....I want to try it again....I am 2.5 years out....went from a size 26/28 to a 4.....I walk some for exercise...but have major knee problems....I now have the opportunity to join a local gym that has an indoor pool....but it is expensive...before I get into a 1 year contract I was hoping someone out there who uses swimming for exercise could respond ....is it worth the money to swim daily??? Will it tone my body the way running or weights tone other people....??? Surely I am not the ONLY person who has lost alot of weight that has "bad knees" and can not run????? Am I???? I would really really appreciate your input on this.....I notice that the "runners" have the most responses here .....but I am afraid I will never be part of that group.....Thank you...!!

Well lets see what I can do for you. First all, let me say this is not a "runners" only forum. However it looks that way because its the season for 5 & 10K run races. Many of us are aspiring triathletes, so we dabble in the water as well.

Now for your question. Until a month or so ago, I had been swimming quite regualrly ever since WLS. I really enjoyed and found it to be a good workout, and even a good core workout.

I think all if us have some sort of kneee problems, and would benefit from some sort of exercising that put less strain on our knees. Howwever for me, I need an exercise that keeps me entertained and challenged.

Many things Ive read says walking is just as healthy as running but you need to put in a few more miles. So dont think you need to start off your first day with running. Spend time outside walking and seeing how beautiful our country is.

I personally canceled my pool membership because I just dont use it during the Summer months. However, I am quite different than the average "Joe". Here in Michigan we have numerous manmade pools and plan to take full advantage of them..

Hope this helps, and sorry no one got back to you sooner.

Kim, I'm not a swimmer, but I would expect that similar priciples apply to swimming as to running.  The benefits will depend upon the intensity and specificity of your workout.   Adding different strokes, intervals, etc. would add to the quality of the workouts.  A friend of mine in college had awesome arms and shoulders because of her swim routine.  I was always jealous because she could wear tanks and strapless dresses because of what swimming did for her upper body. There are a few triathletes on the boards who may be able to give you a bit more information from their own experiences.  Do check with your surgeon before startinga swim program.  When I was investigating having a tummy tuck done, I had asked the doc if I could replace swimming for running  during my down time and he said to wait for 8 weeks because of the demands placed on the abdominals.  But, each surgeon is different. Congratulations on your weight loss and your commitment to incorporating exercise into your routine to maintain it. Cassie