Waves...
Just a thought about this from over here...

I had to look up images for stepper.

My daughter has an Elliptical Trainer or Cross Trainer. Looks to be a little similar in concept except it has more to it than the stair-stepping machine.

It's sitting in the shed.

The problem is that she has loose ligaments for want of a better description and has awful problems with her knees popping in and out. The main problem with her elliptical trainer is that the pedals are too far apart and not in a natural walking/stepping position (even though when you use it you don't actually walk OR step as you have your feet flat on the pedals) and that causes her major pain and problems.

Because of the way the stepper is manufactured, it may be totally fine though.
Take a look at how close the actual foot pads are before you buy it.

Thank you, Lara.

Lol about the shed. Indeed, my main concern is about spending money on equipment will end up sitting in the cellar, or becoming a plant stand. But that would only be because of my inability to get things done, or follow through.

A friend of mine has the exact stepper I am considering in her home, and I tried it for a few mins. I liked it, and she told me where to get it. It is comfortable and works the exact muscles I need to strengthen.

Seems like a no-brainer but I am just double checking since there seems to be some doubt. My guess is that not everyone with knee problems coould use it: it probably depends on what problems one has and how the thing feels. The doctors told me any exercise that doesn't cause pain is fine, and even to tolerate a little pain, as long as I don't see inflammation.

waves

Waves,

Even if you do not "do" the mediation exercises, read through them and think about them. Some exercises that ask you to focus or think about or breathe through -- instead of that do some drawing for example -- it is still a meditation.

I have to go back to find the first mention of the mat because I am lost in regards to that.

The only near-deal breaker on the pool for me was the "pool" of water.
Check to see if someone fixed it since you last saw it.
If they had not, you can still talk yourself into believing that the good a million times over outweighs the unappetizing.

Who told you that you had to get a bike? For knees? For general health?

Mari

Thanks! Those are great ideas... thinking/considering, and drawing.

Not sure I was real explicit. Mom bought an exercise mat for me awhile ago. It came roleld up and shrinkwrapped. Yesterday, I decided I needed to do back exercises so I hunted it down and broke it out of the shrinkwrap. It STANK the entire house up with this acetoney smell. It is on the balcony now, losing its fumes. I smelled it this morning. It is much better -- maybe 80% better. I flipped it and folded it different hoping it will lose the other 20%.

Yeah, me too. And that sanitizing pool is a required by health regulations -- nobody is going to fix that. Supposedly it should have disinfectant in it, but I am still put off. I've put swimming back on the table, but that's the extent of it. It will happen if I feel inclined to do it, otherwise not. Passively considering, but not actively pondering.

Ortho surgeon who saw me for both meniscus and ligament issues. The meniscus doesnt' hardly bother me any more. The ligament issue requires that I strengthen quads. Bike (or the kind of stepper I am looking at) does that.

waves

Here you mention feedback from your Dad and your own observations about bouncing.
This self awareness will you make decisions


LOL. That would be hard for the people around you.

I am glad that you are enjoying this.

M

Yeh it probably is sometimes, but I get cued to shut up... my parents start ignoring me. I think it's even harder when I digress... hard on both because I don't get where I'm going and later realize oops I didn't say the "relevant" stuff... sometimes important/urgent stuff.

Thanks... it is just such a nice break from my usual dreary, droopy draggin myself around like a bag of bricks.

Hello everyone, I just joined today. I was diagnosed with bipolar 4 years ago, havent been on medication for a long time..... my life is VERY up and down I have missused drugs and alcohol and done and said some awfull things...... the alcohol has been a copping mecanisum for me...just wanted to leave my mind for a few hours/days. Something in my life really needs to change drastically. Well that is the very short version of my story. Not sure if I have posted in the right place..... sorry very new to this sort of thing. Thank you

welcome night mere!
for me I have to be on medication to stay stable other wise I go manic.
I can't take anti depressants either.
It sounds like you may be needing some medication and talk therapy to work on your issues. Do you have a therapist?(tdoc)

waves, congratulations are in big order for making that call!!!!!!
And she sought you out!!!!!
wow! well done!
bizi

congratulations Waves......fingers crossed
love
bobby

I have been to see councilers before and tried medication..... not with much success though....side affects of drugs have always been awful I have epilepsy also and dont take meds for that, for the same reason (dont have fits very often though thankfully) I was looking more in the direction of alternate therapies ie reflexology or something like that.... I so want to get out of the vicious circle that I am in. I struggle to maintain relationships with friends and partners also I cant seem keep a job for a great length of time, I struggle to make decisions whether they be big or basic. Its is a constant battle with my own mind xx