Quickest way to get fit?

[Erana]

Despite the old people stereotypes surrounding it, water aerobics can be good workouts and great for flexibility. Its super soft on the joints, too. There's equipment for it to increase resistence and such, so it can be made fairly tough.
I'm not saying to switch to it entirely or anything if running does you good, but it would be a good alternative for you to consider if you can't put your ankle under the pressure of running but still want to move.
*insert angry glare at genetic predisposition to knee problems*

 

[loc978]

What I've found out about fitness in my life is that there is no hard-and-fast rule for everyone. Some people can run their whole life through, some people get hurt running. For me, the best exercise is swimming upstream in the river by my house.

 

[Mordekaien]

Hi guys, I'm really into running, have been for a couple of years now, and a few weeks ago I reached the end of a period of regular, hard training, due to having a number of races over a few weeks. I was pretty fit by the end, in all but one sense - I had worn something down in my right ankle and it hurt a lot every time I came back from a run. So here I am, 4 weeks later, and I've not run since then, save a couple of sessions in which I tested out how bad my ankle was (it was still bad).
I'd like to get fit again, my ankle isn't quite perfect but it's a lot better, so I'm trying to work out whether I should change the way I run to try and optimise my fitness gain. I've considered the following:

1. Running with a weighted backpack (about 40lbs or so)
2. High Intensity Interval Training (read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training)
3. Longer, more gentle runs which have less impact on my joints.

So, if any of you guys have ever run, or done any kind of long-term fitness regime, what did you find worked well? What didn't? Post away.

When I had damaged my ankle joint (in a fight via ankle lock) I used to walk everywhere, slowly building the stress it would hold as it healed.

Generally I abide by these rules when I'm running:
Don't run on hard concrete. That's perhaps the worst thing to do if you have a damaged joint. Walk instead with a higher pace or find softer ground for running (about 30 minutes walk is the same as 30 minute running, without much sweat and still keeping you in fit shape; but it must be practiced more often than running).
Take it slow. Try running only for a few minutes, and then stretch the ankle, feel if it's painful after little physical activity. There's no use in destroying your foot because you're impatient.
Do some alternative form of exercise (pushups, sit-ups, etc.).

Also, if you're suffering from pain, or it swells, apply ice bags or anything else that's cold to counter the swelling.

Hope it will help you.

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

You have an injury right and it hasn't recovered? Then stay off of it. Just do something that doesn't involve your ankle as you don't have to run to get or stay fit.

 

[mrgerry123]

Rowing on an erg at a high intensity will be perfect for you. It will put less strain on your ankle and will increase your aerobic fitness and lactic acid endurance. eg. 40 minute erg at 2:00 split or 6*500m ergs at a 1:40-1:50 split.

 

[Kennetic]

Don't run with weight on your back it kills your knees and may have something to do with your ankle as well