How can I get some exercise when I can barely walk?

vja1951, before you unsubscribe to this question, I had bought my Dad one of those pedal machines, which you put in front of a solid chair and you sit on the chair and pedal to your hearts content while watching TV.... my Dad said that really did help his knees. Maybe hint to your daughter for Mother's Day :)

Hi ! everyone. I am going to unsubscribe to this one. I appreciate all the good answers to my questions. I will all of you well. I may look in on there. I get them via email. I don't know how that started in the first place. This place I live in does not have a pool and I have no transportation except when my daughter takes me somewhere. She is working so it is hard to her to do that. Good Luck to all.

PUBLIC TELEVISION has a "sit and be fit" program. It involves a little standing. Try to find an indoor pool or buy a recumbent bicycle (see photos & recommendations on line). In a pool you effectively weigh about 20 pounds! So there's little pressure on your knees when you walk. Go at a time the pool's not busy and walk in shallow water.

Thanks. But it is arthritis. I have it in my fingers too. I like to write novels and have written 6 working on the 7th. I wear those arthritis gloves. They help. I appreciate all the interest in my question, but I have received a lot of information.Thanks again. PS My bones are barring too much weight as it is. Ha.

A lot depends on if there is bone rubbing against bone, which a non intrusive scan can determine. Your primary care physician should be involved in this. If it is the VA where you get medical care~get on them for a referral to an orthopedic physician or maybe the primary care physician you see through the VA could simply order the scan to give you more information. It would be advisable , after seeing the physician & depending on what you learn from Her/Him, , physical therapy may be indicated and stress & weight barring are essential to maintain
healthy strong bones & muscles.

A lot depends on if there is bone rubbing against bone, which a non intrusive scan can determine. Your primary care physician should be involved in this. If it is the VA where you get medical care~get on them for a referral to an orthopedic physician or maybe the primary care physician you see through the VA could simply order the scan to give you more information. It would be advisable , after seeing the physician & depending on what you learn from Her/Him, , physical therapy may be indicated and stress & weight barring are essential to maintain
healthy strong bones & muscles.

Thank you. My daughter got me a walker and it is a big help. I wish we had some nice days here in Vancouver, the rain capital of the world, in my opinion.
Thanks again.

Verna, my mom had a hard time walking when she was living in an apartment for the elderly. I got her a walker that had a seat so she could walk with it and sit when she was tired, or she could sit in it and "scoot" herself around. I'm sorry that I can't remember the brand, but if you "Google" walkers with seats, you'll come up with quite a few designs. They're great. My mom was able to have a little more independence and enjoyed just sitting outside in the sun on nice days. Good luck with this and God bless.

Thank you for all your advice. I am working on it.

Recommendation: YOGA FOR THE REST OF US video by Peggy Cappy.

I love someone suggested the chair yoga. it is designed for the impaired and the results can be astonishing. Look on line or PBS may run her shows.

Vancouver has a great program designed to help you get around and you can transport yourself to an exercise location such as the YWCA or a pool or gymnasium like this: (this is specific to your hometown, but most towns have a similar program)
Transportation Assistance
rideconnection/ride/Services/RideWise.aspx
RideWise program teaches older adults and people with disabilities to travel independently and safely on public transportation. The services are provided at no charge for those who qualify and encompass all forms of public transportation (bus, light rail).
They offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific needs, and ability level.
One-on-one travel training is our short-term, practical and individualized instruction to teach older adults and people with disabilities to travel safely and independently using public transportation.
Group travel training is available for people receiving support through transition programs, older adult residential facilities, community centers and more. These outings are designed to encourage the use of public transportation by choosing a familiar destination. The training is designed to be in a social, relaxed environment for customers to “learn the ropes.”
Riders Club trips are designed to give our customers more opportunities to become comfortable with the public transit system by creating fun adventures that include riding fixed route to and from the destination. Activity directors at residential facilities and senior centers coordinate these regularly scheduled trips.
For people new to a mobility device, our vehicle familiarization service is designed for individuals who need assistance and practical experience boarding TriMet buses and MAX cars. This training takes place when the vehicles are not in service.
Who provides the training?
The training is provided by our qualified travel trainers. All of our instructors go through a strict screening process and receive extensive training before working with our customers.
How much does it cost?
All training and related support is provided at NO charge to older adults and people with disabilities living in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington County.
Where is the training?
Our travel trainers will provide training ANYWHERE in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington County at a time and location that is convenient for you.
Who is eligible to receive training?
If you are an older adult (60+) or person with a disability and live in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington County, you can request training.
How do I get started?

Good Luck!

Maybe check into some senior services in your area that might offer transporation to and from someplace where you can get exercise of some kind. Maybe look into if there are any volunteer organizations that offer rides. Some cities have handicape buses that pick people up and take them places. Pick up it at your door. Check with your locate transit authority as well. Hope some of this helps. Sometiimes you don't know what's out there until you start calling around..

A few physical therapy sessions will give you the appropriate exercise for you to strengthen your legs. You didn't say if you take any medication for your knees, but ask your doctor if not. You can also try volteran gel, you rub it on 3-4times per day, it is by prescription. My dad uses it and says it helps his knee pain. Physical therapy can target the correct muscles that you need to strengthen, it works. As your legs become stronger and you feel less pain you can begin to walk through the house, make it a habit of walking through the house 3-4 times a day, gradually increase the repetitions. I too have arthritis and pain so I know how difficult walking can be. The rollator is great, they usually have a seat you can put down so you can sit and rest for a minute. I hope the tips work.

I've found Isometric exercises helpful as I have pain, as I'm thinking you may as well.
It takes concentration to tighten, breathe, release each muscle. It can help as it's meditative as well.
Lastly, get your Vitamin D level checked, as often it is low especially in the winter when you don't get as much sun. It can make you feel hopeless, down in the dumps if you don't have enough Vitamin D to make you feel motivated to exercise.

Hi Verna. I am 77 so up there in years. My knees have been a weak spot for a long time. My house has stairs and every morning going downstairs I particularly feel them. I am not saying I am as badly off as you are. It sounds like you are much worse off, but maybe what I have done can help you.

As I live in a very cold climate, 5 months of winter, I don't get out to walk much. I was finding my knees getting worse, so I decided I had to walk in the house. I built up to doing 30 minutes of walking most days of the week additional to normal daily activities.. The trick is to set a goal, but not to expect to reach it right away - start with "baby steps". Maybe do 5 minutes in the morning and 5 in the evening till you feel stronger, then add more minutes and so on. Start with whatever feels OK to you. This builds up your leg muscles which takes the strain off your joints (knees). I am now doing the 30 minutes and l notice a real improvement in my knees. Doing stairs is much easier and less painful. Muscle can be built up at any age and when muscle gets built up it supports the joints. My mother, who is 102, has several bad discs, but she has good body muscles so her back does not bother her.
Let me know if you try it and if it helps. It has taken a few months for me to notice a difference, but is well worth it for my knees and I feel brighter too. I care give my mother at a distance, but I care give me too, so I understand. (((((((((hugs))))))))

Do not think that you need to do 15 repetitions of whatever exercise that you choose. Do as many as you can, a few times a day. After about a week, try to increase the number that you can do.

There is a website called Sit and Be Fit that has free exercises you do from a chair. You might enjoy them.

Verna, get a rollator or wheelchair, you would be surprised what you can do with that. After my knee replacement, I got outside in the wheelchair and took the footrests off. Then I "walked" forwards and backwards while seated in that chair until my knees loosened up and made full range of motion. Ask the VA to Rx you some PT for range of motion and strength.

That is available here, but my daughter prefers that she take me. She works at home so she can take me with enough advance knowledge. We sometimes eat lunch or go by the store on the way back. The mail VA hospital is in Portland, Ore, and I don't think I could handle that on a bus. Thanks for your reply.

In Vancouver, WA, you can call for dia-a-ride type services and they can help you all the way from your room to wherever you need to go. Call 211. They can connect you with the services in your area that provide this. You shouldn't allow yourself to be a prisoner in your own home. If you have VA coverage, check with them. There may be services you are eligible for that you're utilizing, including access to exercise equipment in your home!

I thought that had not been posted. The Post Comment was still there. No, this management here will not do one thing. All activities are planned by the residents. Some of the women here are very good at planning things. Thanks again.

Thanks for all your replies. No, I can't get to any of those places. My daughter has to take me and she has to take off from her job. I have an appointment at the VA next month and I will talk to him or her. I have seen that chair on TV, but I can't afford it. I just need to walk more with my walker. Thanks again.

Thanks for all your replies. No, I can't get to any of those places. My daughter has to take me and she has to take off from her job. I have an appointment at the VA next month and I will talk to him or her. I have seen that chair on TV, but I can't afford it. I just need to walk more with my walker. Thanks again.

What is your height and weight? I am sorry that that is a personal question, but I taught PE and I would need some info, before I suggest exercises. I am surprised that your assisted living does not have classes. Can they drive you to the YMCA?

Check with your local Parks & Recreation department. If I recall, there are some indoor swimming pools in Vancouver where they have "aqua therapy" classes. These involve low resistance exercises in shallow water, and are great ways to meet new people. My mom used to go to our local park's outdoor pool, and there were about 25 other women that were in the class with her. It did wonders for the arthritis in her knees. She also does the typical seated ankle and leg exercises most physical therapists recommend, and walks as much as she can, every day.

Have you seen a physical therapist? A few sessions of PT could teach you some ways to exercise without hurting your knees, and in ways that would be most helpful.

If there is anywhere nearby that has warm water exercises, that would be absolutely ideal for you. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

It is so wise of you to be concerned about getting some exercise. Good for you!

Verna, can you Google "chair yoga"? You might find some joint easy exercises there.