Hi. I'm recovering from open knee surgery. My surgeon and physical therapist have given me permission to ride the stationary bike for 20 minutes at a time or walk (no time specified). At my gym, there are more elliptical machines than either bikes or treadmills. Sometimes the ellipticals are the only cardio machines open. Do you have any thoughts as to the impact or mechanical differences between all three machines? I am aching to go back to the gym, but I don't want to end up hurting myself further. I would try to stay on the machines ok'd by my doctor, but I would like to give myself an option in a pinch as I pay for my visits to the gym each time I go.

Thanks in advance!

My personal opinion would be to stay away from the eliptical until you're fully recovered or until the doctor gives the ok. The eliptical requires you stand while using it so you are putting a lot of pressure on your knees, which may strain them. Plus the movement might be awkward since it is like a jog [somewhat]. Take it slow and see if you're feeling any pain, but try to do more of the bike.

HI,

I use the elliptical regularly and I can tell you I bounce a lot on it. This means a lot of impact on my knees. it doesn't bother me much, but sometimes I walk instead simply for less pressure on the knees. If I had knee surgery I would stay away until my doctor thought it was appropriate. Also, interestingly I have been walking/hiking a lot lately and the workout is much more demanding than my stationary elliptical. Also, are you allowed to do rowing machine or swimming exercises? I don't know if these would be better so don't take my opinion seriously but it seems like it would be a lot less impact.

Meia

Oh my goodness. I just saw your replies. I thank you both for your suggestions. I was sticking with the stationary bike until my doc specifically mentioned the other machines. I can now spend 20 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the treadmill up to a speed of 4.0 (3.1 has been my upper limit thus far). Thanks again, and your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Oh, definitely stay away from the Ellipitical until you are fully recovered! The ellipitcal is a much harder workout than the bike. Good luck, hope you're feeling better soon!