Over time, running for long distances will eventually trash your knees and, potentially, other leg joints. As an "avid" runner you probably do it every day and for long duration. And it's catching up with you. Swimming is a good alternative. So is riding a bike. You can run on a treadmill...modern treadmills have built in shock systems to help cushion foot strike. Try running every other day...give your joints time to recover. As you get older it'll get worse. You can ease up on the running now...do other aerobic exercises...and be able to continue to run or...not...and end up not being able to do much of anything...like walk...without knee joint pain.
Swimming works a wider muscle range, is better on joints as you age, and is great for physical therapy. I did swim team for a long time and I loved it. Honestly though, it all comes down to what you prefer.
Swimming for sure. It is the most calorie burner sport first of all. And you use basically all your muscles while swimming. And you touch the water which takes all your negative energy.
Swimming is just great. I swim even in the winter time ( swimming pools of course). But if i can not swim for some kind of a reason, i run. Running is cool too, especially if you have possibility to do in a lovely nature.
For your knees, have you tried knee guard? Because it is so normal to have problems on knees after running 10 years.
Swimming if you can find a way. My dad was a runner his whole life and his knees are shot, no cartilage left after years of pounding. I used to run also and I would get shin splints but I've been swimming my whole life and have never sustained an injury from it.
That's hardcore though, swimming in a lake. There's no indoor pool somewhere?
Opinion
3Opinion
Swimming is better overall. It's gives you a full body workout, is less stressful on the joints and is also a great cardio workout.
An alternative to swimming during the cold weather could be biking (also less stressful on the joints) and the elliptical.
swimming is good and here is the problem with running, it is not exactly as great as everyone thinks it is and it depends where you run - human feet were meant to run on soil not on cement or a treadmill.
I'm a runner. If you knees are bothering you, I suggest you buy a foam roller. You may be having IT Band problems.
But if you want lower impact, then swimming is obviously the better choice.
Swimming. It's actually more resistant than air so you're doubling up on your efforts.
Swimming as it takes more effort and less stressful on your joints.
Swimming! I love swimming
Swimming. It works your entire body
I love swimming more.
Swimming, because I like water :)
Start Biking
You can also add your opinion below!
Most Helpful Opinions