cardio exercises w/bad knee

Our user asked: "I had a menicus repair two years ago. I've struggled ever since to get a cardio workout. My doc says never do StairMaster or eliptical again. But fast walking outside doesn't give me cardio, no matter how hard I try. I'm tempted to do eliptical again and see how my knee handles it. What doya think? I want to join a gym but not if I can't do cardio."

Ask a PT Response: "There are many other activities which are low impact and will minimize stress to your knee and still provide a cardio workout such as swimming, water aerobics, stationary bike (standard or recumbent), upper body ergometer, arc trainer, etc. The best thing to do is to see what you like the most and works for you. Joining a gym should be able to provide you access to the equipment and activities mentioned. Best of luck to you."