If I have bad knees, does this machine seem like it puts too much pressure on them (like a stair stepper?)
1806750
If the machine is set to the lightest resistance its more of an easy rolling sensation. I think your weight and the type of knee problem would be more of a factor.
1554917
There is a short-two minutes, maybe?-'thigh dancing' segment where you are sitting on your heels and using your thighs to lift you into the moves; knees remain on the floor but it's the thighs that bear the brunt of the stress. Throughout both the thigh and some of the butt segments, you stand on tip toes with your heels touching and your toes separated into a three or so inch 'v' for many of the exercises. This position helps to target the thighs and will stress your knees if they are succeptible to that type of downward strain. However, I have problems with my left knee and if I'm careful, I can do all of the exercises with no problems. There is no direct knee to floor contact unless you need to do push-ups or tricep push-ups on your knees (even these are not direct knee to floor positions, they're 'off-set). I lift weights and do HIIT cardio on a regular basis, and have done MANY different workout programs, but no workout has 'fine-toned' and lifted my body like Physique 57 does. If your knees are such that you can do this workout if you're conscientous about your knee, I strongly recommend it; if your knees are injured or really succeptible to injury, try one of the workouts online for $5 and see if it works for you. (The online option at physique.com is awesome for traveling as well). Hope this helps!
1014313
This machine is sold in a what is called a half leg and that comes up to the knee which allows you then to bend the knee or sit while using it. You probably have already discovered that or found another one that does the split around the knee then skips knee to the thigh. But since many read these questions thought I'd mention it even though it's more than a year later.
1121279
i use it for low back problems. not sure about knee issues. u should ask your doctor if your knees should be elevated.
829816
I don't know if you've found a solution for yourself or not, but maybe this will help someone else in this situation... If you strap your feet into the pedals while the pedals are horizontal and parallel to the floor (with your legs perpendicular to the pedals and knees directly above your feet while sitting with the seat rested near the digital readout) instead of with the pedals at their resting position (at an angle), it seems to work infinitely better. I did this last night and was able to make it through the workout without my feet coming out of the pedals. Seems to have something to do with the feet secured flatter and with the weight on the heel rather than looser and more weight on the ball of the foot.
1892679
I have osteoarthritis in my back and the back rest and seat feels like you are sitting in an "easy" chair. Very comfortable. I do not think it stresses your knees at all since you are leaning back some. This is not like an upright bike that can cause pressure on your knees.
1822195
Perhaps a bit for pulldowns, but you can adjust by kneeling or squatting in front facing the machine when doing pulldowns. You should be OK for the other exercises.
525510
I would say it is very low impact... Do to it's use of body weight as your resistance. I would focus on technique first and start slow... You can always go deeper once you gain more strength in your knees. I have fussy knees too, and I know if I have pushed too hard or been lazy in technique. The good news is the stronger your core and knees get the less aches and pains you feel on a daily basis. I would suggest a stretching routine daily in addition to the ph57 workouts, to help with the knee pain (The "Yamuna" ball can be a life saver).
255225
I don't know if this will help, but I have bad knees and OA in my lower back. I find the motion easy and can use my arms to push which makes the foot pushing easier. There are several levels of intensity so it can be like using a lower gear to push and is closer to an elliptical movement than a bike pedal.
1776786
I bought this for my mom, so I actually have not used it myself. It doesn't seem like it would work for the knee due to the design. The company has other products, maybe there is one designed for the knee. Jaime Thomas
2138439
I dont think that would be a safe idea. Unless you have carpeted bedroom. When I tried to excercise with the step, it kept on slipping. I almost fell backwards. Scary moment. Be safe
690595
I purchased this bike because it is a recumbent bike. I have bad knees and this is easier on the knees than a standard exercise bike. my doctor suggested it.
740817
You could lower it knee level I believe. I have never put it that low but I think you could.
559624
you are up and down a few times off the floor/mat. As to how hard this workout is on the knees, my answer is that you are doing many, many squats but my knees never ached after the workout. Hope this helps!
186703
It pretty much sounds like a treadmill with the exception of the sound of the hydraulics "bump,bump"ing with each step. My husband watches TV while I am on it and only turns the sound up one level. I did buy the rubber/plastic mat to go underneath it to help damper the vibration/movement on my wood floor.
21905
ASK Your Doctor. My guess is NO. I have seen inversion 'chairs' that tip you back in a more sitting position with bent knees that may be acceptable to you doctor.
2015581
i didn't try on the knees. best to buy tens machine and i bought one from www.otcwholesaler.com for my mom. i showed it to the physio and she said it's a good machine. U will need to set the pulse rate and width and the mode. hope this help. My mom told me it relieved her knee pain.