Run, ride, climb: Which cardio routine works best for you?

Nice link, Nancy. Certainly, not all cardio (in or outside the gym) is created equal!

Like to ad, bum knees AND ankles should take care with the treadmill and any equipment. Ankle and knee braces fortunately have become far more sophisticated - velcro adjustable straps, washable fibers, supportive strips that can be added or removed! Many of my clients have found they can use the treadmill while recovering from or simply dealing with a loose joint that will always bother them with the support of a sturdy neoprene brace. One with velcro straps permits the user adjust it to their size, and can continue to adjust it as weight comes off.  A 2.0 to 4.0 incline will also take strain off those precious knees, but front ankle injuries should maintain a flater terrain until pain is no longer an issue.

Once the person can easily walk on the treadmill without hands light handweights 3-5lbs can be added. Same goes for a person proficient with an armless elliptical or stairclimber. Not only will the arms be worked, but now the core will have to kick in to maintain balance as weight is continually shifted from one foot to the other.