Bad knees. Anyone use the Versa Climber?

[platfox]

I see C Terra always talking about his versa climber. Obviously he's sponsored by them so his opinion is probably biased. I haven't heard anyone else talk about them yet.

Here's my situation. I've had acl replacement surgery on one knee, same knee also had meniscus repair surgery, and other knee is missing 50% of my meniscus. I can jog for about 2 miles before my knees starts to ache pretty bad. Things like box jumps or even burpees are out of the question. I really hate the elliptical and the stationary bike is really boring. I was thinking the versa climber may be good for someone like me with really bad knees.

Anyone have any experience with a versa climber?

 

[namster59]

I actually use the versa climber about three times a week along with a two mile jog and some kettlebell stuff. The versa climber has minimum impact on the knees, it does burn the quadriceps after a couple of minutes. You can adjust the machine to make it easier or harder depending on your needs as well.

 

[platfox]

Thanks for the reply namster. I'm going to try and find a place I can test one out.

 

[Ice 9 Cobra]

Have you tried an airdyne? It's a little more intensive than stationary bikes, not near as boring

 

[platfox]

True good point Ice.

 

[Kenny from MD]

I had meniscus removed from both knees. One knee, I started training again 13 days after surgery, and it really shorted me in terms of range of movement. I had about 80% ROM in my knee for a long time, and just dealt, but it was actually squatting that fixed my knees, and they are at 100% now, no trouble. Too much stress on my knee because my legs were so skinny and weak, had to build up the muscle to support it before it could really heal well.

 

[the heed]

I like the Versa Climber.. you look ridiculous while you are doing it, but I have knee problems and I don't really have any issues being on it. Air Dyne is a good one also. I really like using the Concept rowing machine.

 

[Strychnine]

Good thread. Thanks Sherbros because my knees are jacked also..

 

[Dannotheman]

Good replies so far. VersaClimber I'm sure would be good as there is no impact, I've yet to actually use one as they are expensive and haven't seen any in gyms around me. Airdyne is a good recommendation as well, sprint intervals on an airdyne are brutal!

Distance running is largely overrated anyway, and I get shin splints whenever I try to go for distance, plus I hate it even though I am pretty good at it. I can do up to 4 sprint workouts a week though with no problems, plus its more beneficial than distance.

If you aren't squatting I definitely recommend it. But make sure you get a coach or someone to make sure your form is spot on. Proper squats = great for knees, bad squats = terrible for them

 

[rv5869]

I have a Steelclimber which is for all purposes a Versa Climber, but less expensive and better quality. I also have a Concept 2 rower which you might like as well.

 

[platfox]

I had meniscus removed from both knees. One knee, I started training again 13 days after surgery, and it really shorted me in terms of range of movement. I had about 80% ROM in my knee for a long time, and just dealt, but it was actually squatting that fixed my knees, and they are at 100% now, no trouble. Too much stress on my knee because my legs were so skinny and weak, had to build up the muscle to support it before it could really heal well.

Your recovery is encouraging to hear. Thanks dude.

 

[Fandango]

Never used the versa climber but whenever my knees are bothering me, I get on the rower as much as possible. Rowing is epic.

 

[namster59]

Never used the versa climber but whenever my knees are bothering me, I get on the rower as much as possible. Rowing is epic.

I also use the rower as well when I don't feel like using the versaclimber. This is another great machine if my knees aren't feeling too great. I still feel the versaclimber has less impact on the knees though.

 

[infantry317]

Look into Adidas Energy Boost running shoes, they have saved my knees. The regular Energy Boost model if you are a neutral runner, Adistar Boost is structured version if you are an overpronator. Have no idea on the climber though.

 

[platfox]

Thanks for the tips guys. Versa climbers are pretty expensive. I may grab a used one on craigslist if I can find one but for the mean time, I think my new regimen (outside of bjj class) will be light squats, lunges, leg extensions, calf raises. Followed by airdyne and row machine. Possibly twice a week.

Also look into those Adidas shoes.

 

[StevenCrowder]

Thanks for the tips guys. Versa climbers are pretty expensive. I may grab a used one on craigslist if I can find one but for the mean time, I think my new regimen (outside of bjj class) will be light squats, lunges, leg extensions, calf raises. Followed by airdyne and row machine. Possibly twice a week.

Also look into those Adidas shoes.

That'll be fine for some mobility, cardio and maybe a little calf development.

Just don't expect it to help your conditioning for BJJ all that much.