Wednesday exercise challenge

Hi folks, Today was a pretty nice day and I was looking forward to going to the gym tonight!!! 45 minutes elliptical 20 minutes weight machines Okay, as we all know I am quite a creature of habit. Any suggestions on how to "kick it up a notch" in my routine? Remember, really really bad knees so impact is very bad. Thanks folks. Donna

40 minutes step and abs; 20 minutes each treadmill, arm pedaler, stationary bike. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)

Donna, as far as "kick(ing) it up a notch," swimming and water aerobics are nonimpact. Pilates, although it's not aerobic, can help with strength and flexibility. Can you pedal a recumbent stationary bike? Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)

Hi Kasey, The pool at the gym is so godawful warm and there are always kids in there. I have never been fond of swimming but yes I know it is an amazing workout. They only offer water aerobics when I am at work. They don't offer Pilates at my gym although I have been very interested in trying it out. I have tried the recumbent bike and somehow every single time I come down my leg straightens out and it's painful. I have really tried a few things there. The stationary bike, same thing. I am going to try the rowing machine, I see you use that. I can't imagine that doing a thing to my knees!!!! Thanks for the suggestions. Donna

Hi Donna, I always compete with myself on the elliptical. The machine I use shows calories burned. I try to increase the number of calories burned by uping the incline and the weight resistance. If your interested in Pilates, I highly recommend Denise Austin's Pilates for Everybody DVD. It really changed the shape of my body. Morning: 45 minutes Pilates Evening: 45 minutes elliptical 30 minutes weight machines Lynette