>>>>As a Southern boy, I need my NaCl, lol. In my case, I think I'm just too doggone sedentary.
>>>>
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>>>I figure I exercised enough up through my 40s. I used to run every other day and lift weights on alternate days. Now my knees hurt too much for the running, and since I'm not tussling with thugs in the street anymore, I don't really need the bulk and strength.
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>>>I've found a great way to lose weight is to get a sinus infection, like the one I've got right now. I've lost 4 pounds since yesterday.<s>
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>>I have the same problem with the knees. They just can't take the pounding they used to. They are OK after refereeing soccer -- grass, of course -- but I walk like an old man after running on asphalt. What I need to do is find a dirt trail around here somewhere. I have always enjoyed running once I am in the habit -- it's that miserable couple of weeks getting there that sucks!
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>Cycling is a great way to strengthen your knees while not hurting them during the exercise.
>
>A former boss of mine was a rabid runner, he didn't wipe out his knees but he pounded one of his lumbar disks into jelly. After getting his back fixed he switched to cycling, said he noticed it a lot easier on his knees as well.

Agreed. I was doing a lot of bicycling three and four years ago, culminating in a 50 mile ride both Septembers. One of the things that made it easy was there were some great bike trails near where I lived at the time. So far I have not found ones as good up here. (Partly because I haven't looked too hard; I was a little burned out from bicycling so much). Which is weird in a way because it is more rural here. But actually I have been planning to hop back on the bike now that spring is finally here.