What can i do...what can i do?

Nomi says,

Running like a horse everyday is out of the question. I don't have the time for that and my knees won't allow it. So....what other alternatives are there? I don't think that housework burns that much calories..and has anyone heard of those witty suggestions to incorporate extra exercise while mopping or sweeping or dusting? Somehow i can't imagine myself gyrating to "Rock Me Amadeus" while cleaning....
So....i have a very active child who seems to fidget all the time. So clever me thought...hmmm...maybe learning martial arts might be good for her. She'll be tired out and hopefully be less active, plus she'll be able to beat the crap out of anyone who tries to harm her. So off, we went to the local dojo for her to learn karatedo.She showed minimal interest in it, refused to follow instructions and ended up lying on the mat drawing figures of people harming each other. I ended up taking a few lessons since she showed no interest. But the instructions were in Japanese..and i had to memorize katas ...and at my age, i was done with memorizing things.

Then off we went to another martial arts gym to learn...Muay Thai the art of Thai Boxing. Now , this was more my cup of tea. This was by far one of the best workouts that i have ever had. The instructors were mostly Thai. There was one who taught me most of the time. He could barely speak English, and i for sure couldn't speak Thai...but with the few words that he knew, a couple of barks , pushes and laughs...he managed to convey what he meant just fine. He was my height, 53kgs, all muscle, bone and skin with i swear less than 10% body fat. These instructors were lean, mean, fighting machines.

Bruises from kick boxing

So painstakingly and painfully, i learned the very basics on how to kick, punch, elbow, knee and and incapacitate someone. It is a painful sport...sometimes, i really thought i broke something somewhere and sometimes would be hobbling for weeks. But with that, i was stronger, had better stamina and a strong core. And knowing how to defend myself also gave me self confidence.Unfortunately every class meant a new injury...and once i was serious about running, and taking part in races, the fighting had to stop. But i did get a punching bag to kick and vent out all frustrations in the comfort of my home:) So on the days that i can't run...i have something else to do...

Another good alternative is biking. Unlike Joy, i bike off road. My technical skill is almost zero...but i can manage easy cross country trails. It's a good workout and best of all , it doesn't hurt the knees. One downside is the preparation involved to go biking......helmet, gloves, padded bottoms, bike, back pack, shoes, repellent, tools, gps....i think it takes me less time to get dressed for a party...