How can I build stamina with injured knees?

I want to get ready for tryouts in a couple months, and will need some serious stamina to keep up, which I take to mean that I should do cardio. Today I went jogging/walking, but my knees are at their worst. I have patella-femural syndrome, which is unbalanced quad size pushing my kneecap which puts strain on the tendon below. Basically, I want to avoid impact or things like walking/jogging/running that would get at that tendon or further unbalance my quads, if possible. Im not sure how cycling will affect me yet, but will find out tomorrow morning. Also, Im not sure how to do water arobics in a way that it will be cardio... from what I know, cardio workouts are judged based on sweating (I cant afford a heard monitor.)








Im NOT looking to lose weight in any way. I just want to have better cardio strength in my heart and lungs for stamina purposes, but cant afford to aggravate my knee since I need that for tryouts, too!

How can I build stamina with injured knees?
You should go to see a physical therapist to work on the strength of your hip/butt/hamstring muscles. The problem with patellofemoral syndrome is that you use your quad too much and the other muscles in your legs not enough. If you are able to correct this then you will not have to worry about your knees hurting.





The pool can be good cardio, whether it is swimming, aerobics type activity, or running in the pool, its all good cardio. You should be doing those exercises that the PT gave you eventhough they are not fun. Strength gains only last 3-4 weeks without continual strength training (meaning you should be doing your exercises once a week). I would also add that having flat feet can be a factor with patellofemoral syndrome. If you havent had your feet examined to determine if they are flat (pronated) then you should b/c then something simple like arch supports can really help.
Reply:Go to a physical therapist. They should tell all you need to know, or you can probably make some appointments.
Reply:Have you thought about physical therapy?
Reply:Try the elliptical machine it defiantly builds cardio and is very low impact on the knees. I think you will find this helps alot.
Reply:swimming would be the way... but it has to be intense





I have knee probs and the row machine doesnt bother me





if you have serious knee probs should you really be going for sports????