Expert: Ken Alan - 5/7/2007

Question
My doctor just told me I have bursitis (I injured my hip while running). I have been running at least 5 days a week for the last 6 months and have managed to loose 30 pounds. But now my doctor has told me that I cannot run anymore, and that I should avoid any exercise that causes pain in my hip.

It’s been two weeks since the injury and I am already starting to gain weight back. Without running I feel like I am never getting a good enough workout, and I become unsatisfied with my workouts… causing me to over-eat occasionally. What can I do that will be as effective as running without hurting myself any future? Should I change my diet to compensate for my exercise?  

Answer
There's lots you can do.  Stairclimbing machines, rowing machines, bikes, skating, running in water (pool), swimming, eliptical trainers.  Yes, you should moderate your diet since you aren't burning up the calories that you did with running.  That's why you're gaining weight.  You need to try other aerobic exercises to see which ones you can tolerate and which ones you will enjoy.  Sorry your hip is causing you problems. It just means you need to give up running, for now at least, and find an alternative activity.

Hope this helps.