Expert: Ken Alan - 12/11/2010

Question
Ken
I am 53. I have a touch o arthritis in my knees so I had to quit jogging, I have settled for a stationary bike and some light weight lifting. It gets my heart rate up and a bit o sweat.
Today when putting up the Xmas lights I decided to take a few free throws at the kids net before I took it down-they have moved out.
After only 15 minutes I had a great upper body sweat-I was sweating in places I dont usually while on the bike-and felt good all over. Is this a good workout that might be overlooked? Maybe I will go to the local civic centre that holds an open gym and throw baskets there. Dribbling and running might be too hard on my knees though...
Thanks!

Answer
Hi.
Glad you're exercising. You answered your own question about shooting baskets being a good workout.  Sure, running down the court probably would be tough on your knees, so you might not be able to join a team. But you can shoot baskets on your own or with friends.

Because you had more sweat shooting baskets doesn't mean it is a better workout than your bike. If you want to sweat more on the bike, pedal a bit faster or increase the intensity slightly.  You'll sweat in the same places as you do with basketball.

Hope this helps. And keep it up!