natasha

I got injured jogging so I started to use the stationary upright bike and sometimes the elliptical. Then I had to stop because of bad calf/shin pain. I would like to start to go back soon and was wondering if the elliptical or stationary bike is easier on that area or maybe I could alternate them? Do elliptical one day and then bike another?I'm very prone to injury and soreness. Last question do you get the same workout on an upright bike as the sitting one?Thank you for any help.

isuffer

what type of jogging injury? How old? Weight? Workout history before injury? Did you have prior pain - knee, back, hip, prior to injury? History of other injuries?

Do you 'lock' your knees when on cardio machines?

ratebeer

Exactly... get a diagnosis of your injury and treat that before moving on to anything else.

natasha

Thank you. Well I used to run but always got knee injuries and sometimes upper leg/groin issues. I found out I had osteoporosis. So after I switched to speed walking around 4.5 mph then I tried to jog and pulled something in my foot which turned into a calf/shin issue. I'm 28 and a normal weight though I don't weigh myself. Anyhow I have a lot of bone aches in general due to the osteoporosis even before this injury. I will never go back to running I know but hope to go back to my speed walking. Even with that my lower calfs often felt sore but not where I couldn't do activity. For now I need to rest though but when it feels like I may be able I was wondering if the elliptical or stationary bike was easier on the calf/shin.I also think that I tend to stick to one routine and I may overuse certain areas so that is why I asked about alternating. If it doesn't get better soon I am going to go back to the docter.The locking issue I don't think I do that. Thank you again.

isuffer

With osteoporosis, it's important that you do weight bearing exercises, such as walking, to increase bone density. Eliptical and stationary bike are great for cardio, but not weight bearing. There are many different elipticals out there and they all feel different. I realize you want to use the eliptical or bike to recover but let's back up a bit. Chronic injuries are not normal and you need to discover what is the source of your injuries.

You have to get in contact with a doctor who understands your need, past injuries and is sport minded to know what you are going through and what you want to achieve. There are some great advice on this forum but something as severe as osteoporosis, you ought to seek MD help right away. Best of luck.