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Aerobics/running in place bad for joints?

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Expert: - 8/18/2010


Question
Hi Ken,
Is it alright to run in place for 30-40 minutes a day 5-6
days a week for cardio on carpet (with running shoes)? I've
just started a workout plan, & I'm wondering if running in
place is a good substitute for running on a treadmill or
outside.

Thanks

Answer
Running in place may not be harder on the joints than running outside.  It depends on the running surface.  Running in place is likely harder on the shins though.  It's a good idea to do high impact cardio activity every other day rather than every day, to avoid accumulative trauma to the lower extremeties.  You can do cardio training every day, but mix in lower impact activity on alternate days with running.  That helps to reduce the risk of developing injuries.

Hope this helps and glad you're motivated to be active.

Aerobics

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Ken Alan

Expertise

To build a strong body, build a strong body of knowledge. Exercise workouts, training programs, classes, program design, workout music, motivation. Cardio, strength, flexibility.

Experience

AeroBeat.com, the first fitness music company. Program design/choreography, 7 Richard Simmons videos. Co-star, 4 Time-Life Medical exercise videos. Chapter author: "Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adults" (Human Kinetics), "Fitness Theory and Practice" (AFAA), "Fitness for Travelers" (ACE). Lecturer, California State University, Fullerton California, Department of Kinesiology.

Organizations
ACE, ACSM, AFAA, IDEA, NSCA, CAHPERD

Publications
Men's Fitness, Men's Health, Men's Journal, Shape, Weight Watchers, O, Self...

Education/Credentials
Certifications: ACE, ACSM, AFAA.

Awards and Honors
IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year

Past/Present Clients
Previous clients... Jodi Foster, Priscilla Presley, Barbra Streisand, Sylvester Stallone...

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