In January of this year, I joined a Contours and was pretty good at going 3 - 4 times a week after work. Now that I'm not working, it is hard for me to get there. I used to LOVE step aerobics at home, but it kills my knees now. Does anyone know of a good exercise tape that works you out but is kind on the knees? Thanks!

Not sure about what tape to get justjoan, but if you call your local library they might be able to recommend one.

I would advise though buying a small trampoline. You can then jump to your hearts content, bad knees or not, and the trampoline stops any and all jolting to the knee area and the back as well. You can't beat these small trampolines for protecting bad joints etc.

The library is a great idea! Also, after you mentioned it, it occurred to me I could rent some before I buy.

Trampoline sounds like fun, but I have other issues that would prohibit having both feet off the ground at the same time, lol! Sorry if its TMI, but I can't walk and sneeze at the same time!

I actually think it's better to switch to exercise routine that combines yoga and pilates. Others know here, know me as a cyclist since you are "new".

Yoga /pilates can be a great workout since your core/abdominal muscle strengthening make your back stronger/less prone to sprains as well greater flexibility in your overall leg muscles for other exercises which might be more vigorous.

Hi Joan,

When it comes to knees, you are wise to pay attention - there is a demand placed on our knees and they are really quite vulberable!

A couple of suggestions. First, there are some simple principles of alignment that you can put into ANY kind of activity - including walking - that will rebuild the knee joint stabilization. I was able to do this myself after years of running put a "tweak" in my knee and I had to stop. Now I can run again, if I so choose!

These specifics have to do with countering the effects of gravitational pull, which tends to pull the knees inward - pronation - which creates a whole cascade of other events. There is a workout that focuses specifically on knee alignment all the way through, called T-Tapp, and I have taught and practiced this with much success on knees.

As for the mini-trampoline, these can provide some wonderful movement but they can exaggerate the tendency for our knees to roll inward. The trampoline itself pitches to the center, and with each landing, well...you guessed it. Especially when barefoot.

I just wrote a lengthy article about knee rehab and you are welcome to write to me regarding same if you'd like it. It's too lengthy to just pop into a post here!

Thinking of you - and your knees!,
Lani